July brings long sunny days, school-free schedules, and endless opportunities for play, but for many families, it’s also a chance to focus on something essential: physical development through movement. Summer play isn’t just fun; it’s foundational. It helps children build strength, coordination, and confidence especially when it supports gross motor development.
Gross motor development refers to the growth and strengthening of the large muscles in the body that enable children to perform everyday functions such as walking, running, jumping, and climbing. These movements are key to a child’s physical health, coordination, and independence.
Over time, gross motor skills lay the foundation for more complex tasks like riding a bike, playing sports, and even sitting upright in class. Encouraging active outdoor play during the summer is one of the best ways to support these skills naturally.
While structured exercise has its place, the beauty of childhood movement lies in its simplicity. Games like tag, hopscotch, and homemade obstacle courses turn basic motor skills into exciting adventures (no screens, no pressure, just movement and fun!)
These simple games challenge balance, coordination, agility, and strength all without kids even realizing they’re building essential developmental skills.
Tag is more than just a playground favorite it encourages sprinting, directional changes, and awareness of space and others. It’s a cardio workout disguised as fun, and it sharpens reflexes, too!
This sidewalk game supports single-leg balance, coordination, and even early number recognition. Drawing it with chalk turns it into a mini art project first (bonus points for creativity).
Use cones, pool noodles, hula hoops, or even household items to create a kid-friendly challenge. Crawling under, jumping over, or zig-zagging through obstacles builds core strength, spatial awareness, and confidence.
Gross motor play doesn’t just support physical strength, it enhances brain development, improves focus, and fosters social skills. Taking turns, following rules, and working as a team all build emotional and cognitive growth.
Backyard play is a low-pressure environment where kids can make mistakes, try again, and succeed on their own terms.
At Progressive Pediatric Therapy, we champion the power of movement to transform lives. Through physical and occupational therapy, we help children develop gross motor skills that improve their quality of life, both at home and in school.
Whether your child needs support with coordination, strength, or motor planning, our team builds individualized therapy plans to help every child thrive.
At PPT, we believe in using joyful, purposeful movement to empower kids. From helping a toddler take their first steps to supporting a young athlete’s recovery, we’re here for every stage of gross motor development.
Contact us to schedule an evaluation with one of our experienced pediatric therapists.
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