Gross Motor Games for Preschoolers: 10 Fun Indoor Activities for Winter Days

When the temperature begins to drop, and it becomes too cold to play outside, keeping your preschooler active can be a challenge. But staying inside on a cold winter day doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice movement. 

Gross motor activities are an important part of your child’s development—they build strength, coordination, and confidence. Preschoolers need at least 60 minutes of active play every day to thrive, even during winter (CDC). That’s why encouraging physical activity is a key part of our curriculum at Ducklings Early Learning Centers. However, it’s just as important that your child practices their gross motor skills at home. 

Wondering how to make this happen from the comfort of your living room? We’ve got you covered. Discover 10 of our favorite indoor gross motor games for preschoolers.

Why Gross Motor Activities Matter

Keeping your child active is about more than just burning energy (though that’s a nice bonus when you’re stuck indoors on a snowy day!). Gross motor activities—those big movements like jumping, running, and climbing—are a key part of your child’s development.

Gross Motor Skill Development for Preschoolers

When kids engage in gross motor play, they’re building strength, balance, and coordination. However, the importance of play is more than just physical. These activities also help develop your child’s problem-solving skills, focus ability, and emotional regulation. In fact, research suggests that physically active children benefit from greater attention spans and improved cognitive functioning (National Institutes of Health). When playing with others, gross motor activities can also be a great way for preschoolers to practice teamwork and communication.

Setting the Stage for Play

Finding a place for indoor play doesn’t have to be complicated. Clear out a bit of space, grab some pillows or chairs, and crank up the tunes to turn your living room into a welcoming play zone. Make sure the play area is clear of physical hazards, such as fragile items or furniture with sharp edges, to help your child play safely without the risk of injury. 

10 Indoor Gross Motor Games for Preschoolers

Next time you’re stuck inside on a snowy day, try out one of these games to keep your preschooler moving. Don’t forget to play along with them!

1. Animal Parade

Encourage your little one to act like their favorite animals—crawl like a bear, hop like a bunny, or slither like a snake. This activity helps build strength and balance and requires no additional equipment or setup. 

2. Indoor Obstacle Course

You can easily transform everyday items like pillows, blankets, and chairs into a DIY obstacle course for your child. Activities like having them jump over cushions, crawl under chairs, or balance on a taped line can help develop gross motor skills. Obstacle courses also encourage problem-solving and, of course, lots of giggles!

3. Balloon Volleyball

Blow up a balloon and let the games begin! Play “volleyball” by hitting the balloon back and forth. This simple game improves hand-eye coordination and works well for small spaces. Add an extra challenge by seeing how long you and your child can keep the balloon in the air without letting it hit the ground.

4. Simon Says with a Twist

This classic game is a perfect way to introduce gross motor activities into your preschooler’s day. Have “Simon” challenge them to try new movements, such as hopping on one foot or crawling on all fours. Your child will not only get some physical activity—they’ll also have a chance to work on their listening skills!

5. Dance Party Freeze

Create a playlist with your preschooler’s favorite songs and encourage them to dance their heart out! Tell them to freeze in place each time the music stops, then pause it at random times. You can choose songs to match their energy level (or yours!). Just don’t forget to dance along!

6. Jumping Jacks Challenge

How many jumping jacks can your child do in 30 seconds? Make it a game by keeping track of their personal best or having a friendly competition. This activity will boost your child’s endurance, coordination, and overall fitness—all while burning off some of that boundless energy.

7. Laundry Basketball

Grab a laundry basket and some rolled-up socks for a game of indoor basketball. This game requires little to no setup and will help your little one improve their hand-eye coordination. You can adjust the basket’s distance to make it more challenging or encourage your child to see how many points they can score in a row.

8. Pillow Fort Adventures

Your child will love building a pillow fort on a cozy winter day, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there! Challenge their gross motor skills by encouraging them to crawl through tunnels, jump onto “safe zones,” or lead you through the fort on an imaginary adventure. It’s a perfect way to combine active play with imagination.

9. Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Hide objects around your house and create movement-based clues to help your child find them. Directions such as “Roll on the floor” or “Crawl under the table” will encourage gross motor skill development and can keep energetic preschoolers entertained for hours.

10. Follow the Leader

You and your child can take turns leading and following with simple actions like stomping, tiptoeing, or spinning. This game develops their leadership skills and confidence—and, of course, it’s a ton of fun!

Active Play Indoors: A Winter Win for Preschoolers

The cold weather might keep you indoors, but it doesn’t have to keep you and your child from staying active. Adding some of these gross motor games to your snow day routine can help your preschooler stay healthy and happy. As a parent, incorporating active play at home can also help you reinforce the lessons in coordination, teamwork, and creativity that your child is learning in preschool. 

At Ducklings Early Learning Center, we believe in creating strong connections between home and school to make the most of your child’s daycare experience. Contact your neighborhood’s Ducklings location to learn more and schedule a visit.