Gross Motor Summer Activities for Your School-Age Kiddo

Once school is out, the park practically becomes your second home. Your kiddo is there from sunup to sundown—climbing, swinging, balancing, and burning off all that energy.

The great news? All that play is actually helping them build foundational skills in strength, endurance, and gross motor coordination.

But why not kick it up a notch? With just a little intention, you can turn everyday summer activities into purposeful movement that supports your child’s development even further.

And don’t worry—these summertime activities don’t have to be elaborate or perfectly planned. And if you’re a parent looking to sneak in a little movement too? They’re great for that as well!

Keep scrolling for some of my favorite summer activities to boost your school-age kiddo’s gross motor skills.

Summer Activities for School Age Kiddo

1. Walk Backward Using Toe-Heel Steps

This is a fun twist on a basic walk that challenges balance, body awareness, and lower body control.

What to do:
Have your child walk slowly backward, touching their toe to the ground first, then rolling onto their heel. You can make it a game—place a few sticks or chalk lines for them to follow as they step.

What it works on:

• Balance and coordination
  
• Ankle mobility
  
• Core engagement for stability

2. Single-Leg Toe Raises on a Step or Ladder

These might seem simple, but they pack a punch when it comes to improving jumping ability and lower leg strength.

What to do:
Find a playground step, short ladder, or even a curb. Have your child stand on one foot and raise up onto the ball of the foot, then slowly lower down. Repeat on both legs.

What it works on:

• Calf strength
  
• Ankle stability
  
• Prepares for better jumping mechanics
  

Why it matters:
Strong calves are key to running, hopping, and even injury prevention.

3. Swing Core Challenge

Swings aren’t just for flying through the air—they’re a great core tool too.

What to do:
While your child lies with their stomach on the swing and their feet planted on the ground behind them, have them straighten their legs and lift their arms slowly out in front—like they’re flying. Their core will naturally engage to help them stay balanced and steady.

What it works on:

• Core strength
  
• Shoulder stability
  
• Postural control

4. Monkey Bar Knees-to-Arms

No pull-ups required! Just a solid hang and a bit of leg control.

What to do:
Have your child hang from a monkey bar and then bring their knees up toward your arms—hold your hands around belly button height to give them a target.

What it works on:

• Grip strength
  
• Core activation
  
• Spinal elongation and posture reset
  

Tip: This movement helps stretch out tight backs (especially after screen time!) while also firing up the tummy muscles responsible for hip control and coordination.

5. Alternating Foot Taps on Steps

Coordination is everything—especially when it comes to running, skipping, and navigating the world with confidence.

What to do:
Choose a low step or curb. Have your child tap one foot up on the step, then switch quickly to the other foot, like a mini march in place.

What it works on:

• Foot-eye coordination
  
• Timing and rhythm
  
• Cardiovascular endurance
  

Make it fun: Turn it into a race, or challenge them to a beat—“Can you keep tapping for 30 seconds without stopping?”

6. Two-Foot Jumps Forward and Backward

This simple movement helps build power, control, and awareness through the feet and ankles.

What to do:
Have your child stand in front of a low step and jump up onto it with both feet, then jump back down. Encourage soft landings and bent knees.

What it works on:

• Ankle strength and mobility
  
• Lower body power
  
• Core stability on landing
  

Why it’s great:
Repetitive jumping is one of the fastest ways to improve overall body coordination and lower limb strength.

Bring It All Together

These summer playground activities are fun, simple, and incredibly effective for school-aged kids. You don’t need fancy equipment or a rigid routine. Just show up, be present, and use what the park gives you. Summertime activities like these are an amazing way to support your child’s development.

So the next time you head to the park (because let’s be real—you will), try out one or two of these ideas. It’s a win-win: your kiddo builds strength and confidence, and you get a moment of movement and play together.

Tag us on socials if you try any of these summer activities—we’d love to cheer you on!