The Best Gross Motor Development Toys for Kids

When it comes to being able to provide the best care for children with different needs, one of the things you should always prioritise is making sure that you make an active effort in aiding their gross motor skills.

Gross motor skills are in charge of most of their movements such as walking, running and jumping. By developing these skills at their youth, they’ll be able to become better adjusted with their physical coordination and strength as they grow old.

However, knowing how important motor development is and taking active steps towards developing it are two different things.Here’s a few motor development resources  you can use as parents.

Best Resources for Gross Motor Development

Climbing Structures

Climbing structures are excellent for building upper and lower body strength. These structures challenge children to use their muscles to pull themselves up, balance on platforms, and navigate through obstacles.

Examples:

• Jungle Gyms: These are versatile play structures that offer various climbing opportunities, like ladders and monkey bars.
• Climbing Walls: These simulate rock climbing and help in developing grip strength, coordination, and problem-solving skills.
• Indoor Climbers: Perfect for younger children, these smaller structures can be used indoors to encourage climbing and crawling.

Obstacle Course Kits

Creating an obstacle course is a dynamic way to develop multiple gross motor skills simultaneously. These kits usually include various components like tunnels, hurdles, and cones, which challenge children to crawl, jump, and manoeuvre through different obstacles.

Examples:

• Indoor Obstacle Kits: These are designed for use in small spaces and can be easily set up and rearranged.
• Outdoor Obstacle Kits: These are larger and more durable, suitable for backyard play.
• DIY Obstacle Courses: Using household items to create custom courses can be a fun and creative activity.

Balls and Ball Games

Playing with balls is a fundamental way to enhance gross motor skills. Activities like throwing, catching, kicking, and dribbling involve coordination, balance, and timing.

Examples:

• Soccer Balls: Kicking and dribbling a soccer ball helps develop leg strength and coordination.
• Basketballs: Shooting hoops and dribbling improve hand-eye coordination and upper body strength.
• Soft Play Balls or Throw/catch velcro ball set: These are perfect for indoor use and for younger children to practise throwing and catching.

Balance Beams

Balance beams are simple yet effective tools for cultivating your child’s balance and coordination. Walking across a narrow beam requires focus and stability, helping children develop their sense of balance. 

Examples:

• Wooden Balance Beams: These are sturdy and can be used indoors or outdoors to practise balancing.
• Adjustable Balance Beams: These can be set at different heights to provide varying levels of difficulty.
• Balance Pods: These are small, portable, and can be arranged in various patterns to create balancing challenges.

Trampolines

Trampolines are a fun way to improve gross motor skills such as jumping, coordination, and spatial awareness. The repetitive action of jumping also helps in strengthening leg muscles.

Examples:

• Mini Trampolines: Suitable for indoor use, these are perfect for younger children to practise their jumping skills safely.
• Outdoor Trampolines: Larger and with safety nets, these provide ample space for older children to jump and play.
• Balance Trampolines: These incorporate balance activities with jumping, adding an extra layer of skill development.

Push and Pull Toys

Push and pull toys are great for toddlers who are just starting to walk. These toys encourage them to move around, helping to develop their walking skills and leg muscles.

Examples:

• Push Wagons: These provide stability for toddlers learning to walk while encouraging movement.
• Pull Along Toys: These are fun and engaging, encouraging children to walk and pull their toys along.
• Activity Walkers: These come with additional features like lights and sounds to keep children engaged while they walk.

Ride-On Toys

Ride-on toys are great for improving balance, coordination, and leg strength. These toys include tricycles, bikes with training wheels, scooters, and battery-powered cars. When kids use these toys, they perform movements that help develop their large muscle skills.

Examples:

• Tricycles and Bicycles: Perfect for teaching balance and coordination.These toys encourage children to pedal, steer, and maintain equilibrium.
• Scooters: Scooters help improve balance and coordination as kids learn to steer and propel themselves forward.
• Battery-Powered Ride-Ons: These provide fun and excitement while promoting leg strength and coordination.

During all the above activities, we recommend adult supervision and participation within a child's limits. 

Developing different skills through various toys help make sure their well-rounded development is achieved.That is why it is important for you to know which areas they need support with to be able to choose the right toys for their development. 

Integrating toys that help in their motor skill development is not only important for their physical growth, but also their cognitive. 

By choosing the best toys for their motor development, you can create a fun and engaging environment that encourages children to move, explore, and build their physical abilities.

Looking for a Partner for Your Child’s Development? 

If you’re not sure how to get started on your toy and resource journey for your child, it is best to look into NDIS-approved toys first as these have already been assessed and confirmed to be beneficial for helping children with special needs.

For aiding their motor skill development, you can check out some of the gross motor toys and fine motor toys  from The OT Store! These are designed to help your child’s development in specific areas, and keep them engaged and happy during play time!

If you’re looking into more toys, make sure to check out our website as we make learning and playing a fun experience for all. Happy shopping!