We’ve all been through that phase in preschool where we just couldn’t sit still. So, why not indulge the kiddos with some fun jumping activities?
Teaching children basic jumping skills has many benefits. This simple activity can improve metabolism, balance, and flexibility as well as boost motor skills. After all, jumping is a form of exercise.
So, if you’re on the lookout for a toddler jumping activity, here’s a list of some fun games and preschool jumping activities!
Let’s start jumping!
1. Jump Ropes - Single
Jump ropes are a classic. It can help children develop bilateral coordination skills as it requires their minds to be quick, along with their hands and feet. Brush up those rope skills and get started with these jumping games.
Learn more: Today's Parent
2. Leapfrog
Another fun jumping game, leapfrog is an iconic game that can help improve coordination, social skills, as well as motor function. Not only is it a wonderful experience for children but it can also result in increased patience and balance.
Learn more: Persil
3. Hopscotch
Hopscotch is the perfect game with friends that involves hopping through a pattern of rectangles drawn on the ground. It’s a fantastic social game that improves balance and coordination. This simple game is well worth learning the rules!
Learn more: Youtube
4. Shape Hopscotch
Shape hopscotch is a variation of the original hopscotch. It’s perfect for younger children who are still in the shape recognition phase. It can be played indoors, using cutout shapes, or outdoors as one of the outdoor chalk games.
Learn more: Youtube
5. Pumpkin Relay
While pumpkin balance is popular, pumpkin relay is where all the fun is! In this team game, you get kids to line up and jump with a pumpkin (or a ball) to get their card. Tag their team member for them to get the next card. You can even add obstacles like a cup of water or multiple cups of water that must be dodged.
Learn more: Youtube
6. The Floor Is Lava
Floor Is Lava is an absolute hoot. The goal is for everybody to assume that the floor is lava, so they have to jump on furniture and other things as long as their feet don’t touch the floor. It’s a fun jumping game that offers good body exercise while also doubling as one of the best sensory activities that can improve motor skill levels.
Learn more: Parents
7. Animal Jumps
One of the best silly games you can ever play, this game follows the rules of the animal walking exercises where the kids mimic how specific animals walk — except you jump. For example, jump like a kangaroo, rabbit, cheetah, or dolphin. It’s a physical activity that helps improve children’s gross motor activity.
Learn more: The Children Physio
8. Tape Jumping Game
No need for expensive equipment here. You use a motor tape to place lines of tape on the ground and play this game indoors or outdoors. It’s an active jumping game where the person who jumps over the most lines wins! Spice it up by having kids jump with alternate feet!
Learn more: Campus Children Centre
9. Broad Jump
This one’s similar to the tape jumping game, but in the broad jump, you put the motor tape or duct tape as an indicator of where the jumper landed. The next kid to jump aims to better the last one. This is one of the best lines game that involves a lot of muscle strength.
Learn more: Today
10. Alphabet Jump Game
Alphabet jumping games require a large mat with all the alphabets marked around it; it’s quite easy to make your own. You may even use sidewalk chalk to draw a large circle or squares with the alphabet. When you yell a letter, the children should jump their way to that letter. It’s the perfect activity for kids who are just learning their letters.
Learn more: Carpets for Kids
11. Lily Pad Hop
This fun exercise for children involves making your own lily pads and scattering them around the house. They should be close enough for your toddler to hop from one lily pad to another. You can put numbers or alphabets on them to make it a learning game for beginners while helping develop your kid’s muscle strength.
Learn more: Toddler Approved
12. Sack Race
This is definitely one of the funniest jumping games. A potato sack race is a physical activity that improves concentration as well as the skill of jumping. Just avoid playing this playground game on a hard surface to prevent injury.
Learn more: Youtube
13. Pogo Sticks
You can use pogo sticks to play any jumping game. It will promote arm strength, sensory input, and body awareness. To make a contest out of it, you will need vertical leap assessment equipment to measure the jumps.
Learn more: Mom Junction
14. Jumping Over (Imaginary) Laser Beams
Ever been fascinated watching heist films where the protagonists are jumping over laser beams? Just use string as your imaginary laser beams. Call it a GAME IN MINUTES! The fastest to go through wins!
Learn more: It's Always Autumn
15. Water Play With Garden Sprinkler
It’s as simple as turning on the sprinklers for some game time in the summer! You can use the sprinklers to play any number of different games. Get creative!
Learn more: Active for Life
16. Trampoline Jump
Introduce preschoolers to trampoline games. They could do a minute jumping activity or play dodgeball. It’s great for increasing coordination and balanced jumping skills. Just make sure you practice safety when using a trampoline with preschoolers.
Learn more: Run Wild my Child
17. Obstacle Course
Create your own motor games at home through a fun obstacle course where children can run, jump, and be in excellent form! Check out this fun obstacle course played by Australian children and inspired!
Learn more: Kiddo
18. Jumping Jacks
Jumping jacks are a form of body exercise, but they can also be combined with a multitude of games or activity cards. Put on some music and have the kids do as many jumping jacks as they can. It’s an ideal way for children to keep a healthy body weight.
Learn more: Your Therapy Source
19. Tag With a Twist
Do you want a fun activity that can also be a vigorous activity? Here’s an idea — a game of tag but with a lot of jumping. There are many ways to play tag, but in this game, instead of chasing each other, you can only jump!
Learn more: Early Impact Learning
20. Chinese Jump-Rope
The game uses Chinese elastics tied in a circle. Two children will hold the elastics with their bodies as the other participants jump over the Chinese string. It’s quite an aerobic activity combined with a social activity since you need at least three people to play the game.
Learn more: WikiHow
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