Why movement matters at 5 and 6
Children around 5 and 6 are usually stronger, more coordinated and more interested in games with rules than they were as preschoolers. Movement play helps them practise balance, coordination, listening and self-control, and it gives them a way to use energy before sitting for learning. Many children enjoy challenges they can repeat and get better at.
The activities below work in a classroom, hallway, living room or outdoors. For the indoor-specific version, see indoor gross motor activities for kindergarten.
Safety checklist
- Supervise. Stay in the room and watch all children, particularly during races and activities that involve floor work.
- Clear the space. Remove furniture with sharp corners and breakables. Leave space between children.
- Floors and footwear. Hard floors can be slippery in socks. Choose bare feet or non-slip shoes where appropriate.
- Balloons. Uninflated or burst balloons are a choking hazard, and some children have latex allergies. Supervise closely, or use a lightweight beach ball or soft scarf instead.
- Strings and yarn. Strings stretched across a hallway can trip or tangle. Use low tape or soft ribbon at a safe height only, and only with close supervision. Many adults prefer to avoid it.
- Somersaults and rolling. Teach slowly on a soft mat, with chin tucked and an adult nearby. Skip them for children with neck, back or health concerns, or if unsure.
- Cushions. Stacked or slippery cushions can shift. Keep heights low.
- Pacing. Offer water, rest and an option to sit out. Some children are tired or unwell and should not be pushed.
- Inclusion. Let children adapt movements to what feels comfortable.
Active games
- Freeze dance. Play upbeat music and let children dance. When it stops, they freeze like statues. It builds listening and control. See the importance of dance for preschoolers for more on why dance is helpful.
- Red light, green light. Children move on “green” and stop on “red”. Add “yellow” for slow motion.
- The floor is lava. Arrange cushions or paper sheets as stepping stones. Keep distances short and surfaces stable and non-slip. Avoid climbing on furniture.
- Animal walks. Gallop like a horse, hop like a bunny, waddle like a penguin or bear crawl across the room.
- Simon Says. Use more complex multi-step directions at this age.
Balance and coordination
- Tape balance beam. Lay masking tape in straight or zigzag lines and walk heel to toe. Add a bean bag to carry.
- Hopscotch. Draw with chalk outside or use floor tape inside, to practise hopping on one foot and jumping on two.
- Balloon or beach ball keep-up. Keep a lightweight ball in the air using hands or a pool noodle, with supervision and the balloon cautions above.
- One-foot challenges. Stand on one foot and count to ten, then switch.
- Beanbag balance. Walk across the room with a bean bag on a shoulder or head.
Obstacle courses and strength play
Obstacle courses are popular because children can design them. Combine crawling under a table, stepping over a pool noodle, walking a tape line and jumping into hoops.
Circuit stations work well for classrooms. Examples include log rolls, jumping jacks, crab walks and wall push-ups. Children spend about 30 to 60 seconds at each station, then rotate. Keep an adult at the stations with more risk.
A “hallway web” of crossing strings is sometimes suggested, but it carries tripping and entanglement risks. A safer version uses floor tape lines to crawl along or step over.
Games with rules and teamwork
Five and six year olds are ready for simple team games.
- Relay races with a bean bag or soft ball, emphasising fun over winning.
- Parachute or sheet games. Hold the edges and wave together.
- Cooperative games, such as keeping a ball in the air together, or passing a hoop around a circle without letting go of hands.
- Tag variations, such as freeze tag, with clear boundaries.
Talk about taking turns, losing gracefully and checking in on friends. Self-esteem activities for kindergarten can help reinforce this kind of teamwork.
Movement with learning
- Math: hop to numbers on a line, skip count while jumping.
- Literacy: spell sight words by jumping on letter cards, or jump to objects that match a beginning sound (see initial sound activities for kindergarten).
- Science: act out the water cycle or animal habitats.
- Rhymes and songs with actions.
These tie in with the kinds of activities in indoor and outdoor activities for kindergarten.
Outdoor options
Outdoors, children can run, kick, throw and climb with more room. Add scavenger hunts, jump rope, ball games, chalk courses and playground time. Check equipment, ground surfaces and weather, and apply sunscreen and water breaks in warm weather. See indoor play vs outdoor play for how to balance the two.
Frequently asked questions
What are good movement activities for 5 and 6 year olds?
Freeze dance, red light green light, animal walks, tape balance beams, hopscotch and obstacle courses.
How can I get my child moving indoors?
Try obstacle courses, animal walks and dance games in a cleared space. Focus on safety, with non-slip footing and no strings or hard objects.
How much movement does a child this age need?
Guidance varies by country and organisation. Check the recommendations from your national health body or pediatrician. In general, children benefit from regular active play throughout the day.
Are somersaults safe?
They can be done safely on a soft surface with instruction and supervision, but they are not suitable for every child. Ask a doctor if there are concerns.