Summer Activities to Boost Strength and Coordination

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School is out here in the U.S., and that familiar phrase—“I’m bored!”—might already be echoing through your home. Before you feel the need to reinvent summer fun, try this: stock up on simple gross motor activities that keep kids moving, engaged, and learning—no screens required.

Sure, boredom can be a great launchpad for creativity and imagination. But sometimes, especially on long summer days, kids need a little structure to get their bodies and brains working. That’s where gross motor play comes in.

These summer-ready activities build strength, coordination, balance, and endurance—all of which support fine motor skills, handwriting, and other classroom tasks later on. Even better? Most can be adapted at home for a variety of ages and ability levels.

Upper Body Builders

Wheelbarrow Walking
This classic activity strengthens shoulders, arms, and core.

Adaptation: Let younger kids or beginners “walk” with their knees on the floor while you hold their hips. For older kids, time them or turn it into a backyard relay.

Crab Walking
Great for coordination and core activation.

Adaptation: Add a beanbag on the belly to increase the challenge. Little ones can do a simplified version by sitting on the floor with their hands behind them.

Bear Walking
Kids walk on hands and feet with their hips high in the air.

Adaptation: Try a stuffed animal “parade”—carry a toy on the back while walking like a bear to engage core control and body awareness.

Core Strengtheners

Push-Ups, Sit-Ups, and Crunches
Build the foundation for posture and stability.

Adaptation: Use modified push-ups on knees or against a wall. Use a small ball behind the back during sit-ups for support, or add a game element like counting out loud or minute-to-win-it style.

Movement + Fun

Scooter Board Races
These work the arms, legs, and the vestibular system.

Adaptation: If you don’t have scooter boards, try cardboard or towels on a smooth surface indoors. Using two paper plates and sliding on a smooth surface while standing can also be an option. For an additional challenge, use four paper plates, two for the hands and two for the knees, to scoot across the floor.

Riding Scooters or Bikes
Balance, endurance, and coordination all in one!

Adaptation: Use balance bikes or three-wheeled scooters for younger kids. Mark a sidewalk course with chalk to practice turns and stops.

Jump Rope & Yo-Yos
Rhythm, timing, and hand-eye coordination get a boost.

Adaptation: For beginners, try jumping over a rope laid on the ground. For yo-yos, let kids start with a paddle ball or wind-up spinner before working up to real tricks.

Ball Games

Shooting Baskets, Playing Volleyball, or Soccer
Both activities improve motor planning and visual tracking.

Adaptation: Use a beach ball or balloon for volleyball for easier tracking. Lower the basketball hoop or use a laundry basket and soft balls for younger children. You can also use the laundry basket as a soccer goal.

Jumping on a Trampoline
A fun way to improve leg strength, balance, and sensory input.

Adaptation: Supervise closely and try mini indoor trampolines for safer play. Add challenges like jumping with arms up, feet apart, or doing a twist mid-jump.

Swinging
Calming for the sensory system and great for core and grip strength.

Adaptation: Use a traditional swing, platform swing, or hammock-style seat. Encourage pumping legs to build independence and strength.

Outdoor Adventures

Ninja or Rope Course
Set up backyard stations with ropes, cones, or balance paths.

Adaptation: Include crawling tunnels, hula hoop jumps, or chalk balance lines for little ones. Older kids can help build the course for extra engagement.

Swimming
A full-body activity with major sensory and motor benefits.

Adaptation: Supervision is essential for this activity, and swim lessons are recommended for children of any age, especially if they have not had them before. Local YMCAs often have swim lessons available at different times, or look into your local swim centers.

Horseback Riding
This one isn’t typically available at home, unless you live on a farm with horses!, but it’s incredible for core stability, posture, and sensory input.

Adaptation: If real horseback riding isn’t possible, try rocking horses, therapy balls, or playground spring riders for a similar core and vestibular boost.

Why Gross Motor Play Matters in Summer

While gross motor activities might seem like “just play,” they lay the groundwork for critical academic skills:

• Strong postural muscles support sitting upright in class.
• Core strength improves handwriting stamina.
• Movement-based activities help regulate energy, focus, and behavior.

So the next time your child says, “I’m bored,” you can say, “Let’s move!”

Check out my Amazon Storefront for even more activity ideas you can have set up around your home this summer.

Summer Development Activity Ideas – Free Handout

Save this list for easy summer reference. Whether your child is bursting with energy or needs encouragement to get moving, these adaptable ideas make summer both fun and functional.

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