As your child approaches and enters kindergarten and the early school years, their gross motor skills (and personality) really begin to shine. This is the age where kids become more coordinated, confident, and ready to take on physical challenges that require strength, balance, and endurance. While every child develops at their own pace, understanding what’s typical for 5–6 year olds can help you encourage movement and purposeful play at home to further build their confidence, especially on the playground.
What to Expect Around Ages 5–6
By this age, many children are refining the foundational skills they’ve built in their preschool years and are now ready to take on more complex movements. Here are some common (and I emphasize “common” because not every child will master each of these areas) gross motor milestones for 5–6 year olds:
- Perform 3–5 sit-ups – showing developing core strength.
- Do 8 push-ups – a sign of growing upper body strength and endurance, but don’t expect perfect form.
- Perform 10 jumping jacks – demonstrating bilateral coordination and rhythm.
- Stand on one foot for 10 seconds – highlighting balance and control with calm arms and body.
- Tiptoe without walking for 8 seconds – refining balance and trunk activation in a more challenging way.
- Climb well on playgrounds – using strength, coordination, and planning. plus ensuring more confidence and participation at school.
- Is safe on playgrounds with peers – showing not just skill, but awareness of surroundings and others.
- Swing without being pushed – pumping legs to create their own momentum for more independence, body awareness, and confidence.
- Pedal a bike without training wheels – a true major milestone in balance and coordination.
Purposeful Play Ideas
The transition to school can be hard, so allowing your child to decompress and practice their playground skills, without added pressure in a free, purposeful play-based approach, can yield the best results. Kids learn best when they’re moving, exploring, and having fun. And, it really only takes a small amount of planning on our part, as parents, if any. Some easy ideas for home and community play include:
- Play “Simon Says” with jumping jacks or other movements – great for listening, coordination, and fitness.
- Take family walks or bike rides – builds endurance and healthy habits.
- Encourage outdoor playdates – navigating playground equipment helps with strength and peer interaction.
- Do “bear crawls”, “inchworm”, or "wheelbarrow" races around the house – fun ways to challenge upper body and core strength.
- Make sit-ups playful – pass a ball, pillow, or stuffed animal back and forth during each repetition.
A Word of Encouragement
It’s important to remember that, while this checklist provides a guide, every child grows at their own pace. Some children may master bike riding quickly while others need more time, support, and confidence. Progress doesn’t always look the same for every child—and that’s okay!As parents and caregivers, your role is to provide opportunities for movement, encourage practice, and celebrate effort just as much as success. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s helping your child feel strong, confident, and capable in their own body.
When to Reach Out to a Pediatric Physical Therapist
Every child develops at their own pace, but sometimes a little extra support can make a big difference. You may want to check in with a pediatric physical therapist if your 5–6 year old:
- Struggles to keep up with peers during play, sports, or recess
- Avoids physical activities like running, climbing, or biking
- Has frequent falls, trips, or difficulty balancing
- Appears weaker than expected (e.g., unable to do sit-ups, push-ups, or jump with both feet)
- Seems fearful, hesitant, or avoids playground equipment or movement challenges
- Is not yet riding a bike, jumping, or swinging independently despite plenty of practice opportunities
Early support can build confidence, prevent frustration, and set your child up for success in school and play. At Milestones At Play, we help children strengthen their bodies, grow their confidence, and discover the joy of movement through purposeful play. If you’re wondering whether your child could benefit from extra support, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’d love to partner with you on your child’s journey.
