Summer and water play just go hand in hand. Whether it’s a trip to the splash pad, an afternoon with the sprinkler, or a backyard kiddie pool, these simple activities can do more than just help your child cool off - they can actually support important gross motor skills, too!
Gross motor skills involve the large muscles of the body that help children do all the things they love to do: crawl, walk, run, climb, jump, and play. And the best part? Kids don’t need fancy equipment or structured activities to build these skills. Sometimes, all it takes is a little water and a lot of fun.
Splash Pads: More Than Just a Good Time
Splash pads are full of opportunities for movement. Kids are constantly stopping, starting, changing directions, squatting down, and stepping over streams of water. All of those movements help build balance, coordination, and body awareness.
For younger children, even reaching toward the water or cruising around the edge of the splash area can support strength and confidence.
Kiddie Pools Count, Too
A shallow kiddie pool can provide plenty of developmental benefits. Walking through water makes those little muscles work a bit harder, helping build strength and stability. Squatting to pick up toys, stepping in and out of the pool, and maintaining balance on slippery surfaces all challenge growing bodies in wonderful ways.
Don’t Forget the Sprinkler
There is something magical about running through a sprinkler! Whether your child is chasing the water, jumping over it, crawling underneath it, or simply testing it out with cautious little steps, they’re practicing important skills like coordination, balance, and motor planning.
And for babies? Sitting outside and splashing with supervision can be a great way to explore new sensory experiences.
Water Tables and Bucket Games
Water tables are a favorite for a reason. Scooping, pouring, filling, carrying, reaching, and squatting all support developing muscles.
Try activities like:
- Carrying cups of water from one bucket to another
- “Washing” outdoor toys
- Watering flowers with a small watering can
- Filling and dumping containers of different sizes
Simple activities can provide big developmental benefits.
Water Balloon Fun
Water balloons can encourage throwing, reaching, carrying, and chasing. They also offer opportunities to practice coordination and motor planning in a playful way. Or, if you don’t have balloons, try sponges!
Even toddlers who simply enjoy transferring balloons from one bucket to another are building important skills through movement and exploration. And, dunking the sponges into water and then squeezing them out is a great way to build hand strength and upper body coordination.
Play With Purpose
One of the beautiful things about childhood is that learning often looks like play. All of those movements - big and small - are all helping your child build the strength and coordination they need for everyday life.
So this summer, don’t worry about creating the “perfect” activity. Head outside and turn on the sprinkler, visit the splash pad, or fill up the kiddie pool. Those giggles and splashes are doing more than making memories—they’re supporting development, too.
As always, every child develops at their own pace. If you ever have questions or concerns about your child’s movement or gross motor development, we’re here to help. At Milestones at Play, we love partnering with families to support children through purposeful play and everyday moments of growth.
