16 Best Gross Motor Toys [toys to encourage gross motor play]
Gross motor skills are an important part of a child's development. These skills involve using the large muscles in the body, and they help children learn how to move around and interact with the world around them.
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Gross motor play is any type of play that encourages children to use their large muscles.
It can include activities like running, jumping, climbing, and crawling. Parents can encourage gross motor play by providing opportunities for their children to engage in physical activity. In addition, many great gross motor toys are available to help kids develop these skills!
Here is a list of our favorite gross motor toys that are sure to encourage hours of play.
16 Gross Motor Toy Must Haves
We all want our kids to be happy and healthy, and that's why we love Little Surfer. Little Surfer is a balance board that helps with both playtime and quiet time (my kids love laying and reading on it). It's an excellent way for kids to get their energy out. Plus, it benefits children's imagination and creativity. Little Surfer is perfect for ages 12 months to 8+ years old. It's made with natural materials, so you can feel good about using it.
Gonge Hilltops are made of durable, sturdy material, making them perfect for little ones to jump on and off of. They help children learn how to estimate distances and become more familiar with heights, all while having tons of fun! Plus, as an added bonus, they can help build emotional robustness and confidence. So let your kids loose on the Gonge Hilltops – they're sure to have a blast!
A super simple and effective way for children to get their energy out! An old-school jump rope can be used inside or outside and will keep your children busy for hours. They can jump rope alone or work together and learn all the jump rope games we used to play!
The Wiwiurka Jungle Gym Bars Combo is the perfect addition to any indoor or outdoor space! Drawing inspiration from Pikler, Montessori, and Waldorf, this jungle gym will instantly transform any indoor or outdoor space into an epic play center. Perfect for developing gross motor skills, the Jungle Gym will also spark creativity as your child, siblings, and friends create their own unique ways to hang, swing, climb, and twirl on these bars. The Wiwiurka Jungle Gym is sure to become a family favorite in various play ways!
Crafted from sturdy beechwood, this play gym includes a slide that reverses to a climbing wall, swing, rope climber, monkey bars, ladder, and basketball hoop - providing endless hours of fun for children of all ages. Plus, it can be easily converted to a playpen for even more fun options! This indoor play gym is the perfect solution, whether your little ones want to burn off some energy or just have some fun.
If you're looking for a fun and engaging way to help your child develop their sense of touch, then Gonge Tactile Disks are the perfect solution! These colorful discs are made of soft synthetic rubber and feature different textures that children will love exploring with their hands and feet. At the same time, they provide an excellent opportunity to enhance language skills by describing the different textures and colors verbally. The large discs can be positioned on the floor for easy access, and they make a great addition to any playroom or homeschooling environment.
Looking for a fun and challenging way to improve your coordination and balance? Look no further than the Gonge River! This unique balance path toy is made of durable plastic with anti-slip rubber edges, making it safe and fun for kids of all ages. The Gonge River can be stacked and configured in endless ways, making it a great toy for both solo play and group play. With a weight capacity of 220 lbs, the Gonge River is built to last. So get ready to have some fun and get your balance on with the Gonge River!
The Figgy play couch is a piece of furniture that will encourage your child's imagination and provide endless hours of fun. This versatile piece can be a raft for imaginary high-seas adventures, a rocket ship for out-of-this-world journeys, or a comfortable place to read or lounge. It's easy to clean and fits perfectly into any living space, making it ideal for homes with limited space. And best of all, it won't hurt if your little one steps on it! The Figgy play couch will become your child's favorite hangout spot.
The Lily & River Little Climber is a versatile climbing triangle, perfect for children ages 6 months to 5 years, and can be customized to create endless possibilities for playtime fun. Made with durable birch hardwood and white sealed rungs, the Little Climber is built to last. It also includes a reversible ladder/slide accessory, so your little one can have even more fun as they climb and slide their way to motor skill success! When playtime is done, the Little Climber easily folds flat for easy storage.
Gonge River Stones are the perfect way to encourage balance, coordination and motor skills in kids of all ages. These vibrant stones can be used for anything from free play to specific therapy and structured training, making them a versatile and valuable addition to any family's home. With their non-slip design, Gonge River Stones are safe for little ones to use, giving parents peace of mind as their children explore and learn. Whether your child is honing their motor skills or just having fun, Gonge River Stones are sure to provide hours of entertainment.
The memory foam layer provides cushioning and comfort for active kids. We love the Ruggish playmat (and added it to this gross motor gift guide) because it's the absolute perfect rug to have anywhere your kids will be bouncing, swinging, or jumping. It also has the bonus of being double-sided; one side is a beautiful pattern, and then other is a road so children can play with cars and trucks. Plus, it’s super easy to clean – just wipe it down with a damp cloth!
The Little Gymnast - a beautifully handcrafted hardwood children’s low beam designed to help with balance and coordination. This incredible product boosts physical activity and gross motor skill development, while also benefiting playtime imagination and creativity. Perfect for ages 18 months to 8 years, the Little Gymnast is an essential addition to any active little one’s life! Plus, it features simple flat storage so you can easily keep it stored away when not in use. Made with natural premium birch hardwood, the Little Gymnast is built to last.
The Little Rocker is designed for hours of fun and developmental play. With a Pikler arch design, the Little Rocker is perfect for climbing, rocking, and resting. But that's not all - it's also great for hiding, playing, and obstacle courses! Whether your child is using it for imaginative play or honing their balancing skills, the Little Rocker is sure to provide endless fun.
This sturdy, wooden climbing dome is the perfect addition to any playroom or backyard, and is sure to become your child's new favorite activity. Not only is the Little Dome Climber super fun, it's also great for developing important motor skills and improving balance control. The Little Dome Climber is made from high-quality materials and is built to last. It's also easy to assemble and disassemble, so you can take it with you on vacations or anywhere else you go.
These stepping stones are the perfect way to encourage your child's natural sense of balance and coordination. Made from premium hardwood, they're lightweight and durable, making them ideal for indoor or outdoor use. Plus, they come in various colors to expand your child's creativity. Little steps are more than just a toy - they're a valuable tool that will help your child build confidence and muscle growth.
Anything by Wiwiurka! The brand is woman-owned and features handcrafted toys with everything from swings to pikler triangles. They have a variety of color options so you can match the decor or vibe of your playspace.
