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Under 5s
Activity Ideas
Getting kids under 5 moving is super important for their healthy growth and development. Not only does regular physical activity help prevent childhood obesity and reduce the risk of obesity in adulthood; by supporting children to form lifelong habits, it also plays a big role in building those all-important motor skills. Think big movements like running, jumping, and climbing (gross motor skills), as well as smaller ones like picking up toys or scribbling with crayons (fine motor skills).
Active play isn’t just about burning off energy, it helps little ones build strong bones and muscles, which is key at this stage of life, when they are growing so quickly! Physical activity also boosts memory, focus, and problem-solving, all of which are key for learning and school readiness.
Active play with others encourages kids to take turns, share, and cooperate, whilst boosting mood, and helping them feel more confident and happier. On top of all that, young children get experience the same health benefits from physical activity as older children and adults, such as a healthier heart, and better sleep. Letting little ones explore the world through movement isn’t just fun, it’s essential!
Further information
Infants (under 1’s) should aim for at least 30 minutes of tummy time spread across the day, and 180 active minutes. They can get active through activities like:
- Crawling, rolling and cruising
- Dancing to music
- Throwing and catching soft balls
- Playing with push and pull toys
Under 5’s should aim for at least 180 active minutes per day. This could be at home, at a class/club, at the play area, or outdoors.
Ideas
Here are some ideas for home-based play. Check out the activities section of this site for places and clubs that might also suit your little ones.
- Joe Wicks: Hey Duggee
- Sensory play: provide opportunities for messy play with things like water and dry/cooked spagetthi
- Playing with blocks and other objects
- Dancing and jumping around the house
- Ball games in the garden
- Nature treasure hunt in the park
7 Day Timetable
Here is a 7 day timetable you could try, to include 30 minutes of activities per day for under 5’s. Remember, for this age group, 30 minutes is just the beginning...
Move, Wiggle and Grow!
A weekly activity calendar for Under 5s to help with their growth and development this October
30 minute duration
MONDAY
Wiggle and
Freeze
Put on music and dance around but when the music stops, freeze like a statue! Can you stay still? Family fun way to exercise
TUESDAY
Froggy Fun and Jungle Jumps
Go outside and start with 5 mins of frog jumps. Then go on a jungle adventure with Mum and Dad. Pretend to swing like monkeys, tiptoe past snakes, and stomp like elephants
WEDNESDAY
Swim Club or Water Play Day
Babies and Toddlers can Join a swim group where they splash water or do water play at home with a tub and toys. Splashing, pouring, kicking in water builds coordination and confidence
THURSDAY
Rainbow Colour Hunt Walk
Something fun that can be done at home, in nursery or preschool. Get them walking for a colour hunt. Find somethig red, orange, yellow. etc. For each colour, do a fun movement e.g. jump, hop, spin
FRIDAY
Teddy Bear Play and Move
Get their favourtie teddy and pretend teddy wants to go adventure. Can be done inside or around nature. Let your child lead the way and make up little stories as you go
SATURDAY
Get Active with Hey Duggie!
It can get cold or rain outisde. So put on some YouTube to get the little ones active. Check out Joe Wicks' Activate for Kids with fun ways to get them moving whilst you do some housechores
SUNDAY
Stretch, Breathe and Bubble Pop
It is not everyday jumping up and down with the little ones. Get them to stretch up high and down low. Pretend to blow bubble to help with their breath works. They can do gentle yoga-style like cat/cow or butterfly wings
