Outdoor Gross Motor Activities for Infants

Gross motor skills in the first year and a half

Gross motor skills use the large muscles of the body, such as those in the arms, legs and trunk. In infancy they include holding up the head, rolling, sitting, crawling, pulling to stand, cruising and walking. Babies reach these skills at different times, and a wide range is normal.

Outdoor time gives babies new sights, sounds and space to move. It can also be calming. For infants, “outdoor gross motor play” usually means simple, low-key experiences, not equipment or organized games.

Outdoor safety checklist

Safety comes first outdoors, because the environment is harder to control than a classroom. Before taking babies outside, check:

Supervision. Keep every baby within sight and reach as appropriate for their age. Follow your state’s ratio rules and your program’s policies.
Surfaces. Check for glass, sharp objects, insects, animal waste, standing water and uneven ground. Use clean mats or blankets for babies who are not yet mobile.
Temperature of surfaces. Playground surfaces, slides and pavement can get hot in the sun. Touch them with your hand first.
Sun and heat. Pediatric guidance generally advises keeping babies out of direct sun, especially under 6 months, and using shade, hats and light clothing. Sunscreen use for infants should follow pediatrician guidance and program policy. Never leave a baby in a hot place, including a parked car.
Cold weather. Dress babies in layers. Check hands, feet and cheeks, and bring them in if they seem too cold. Follow your program’s outdoor weather guidelines.
Water. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, even with a small amount of water. Empty tubs, buckets and wading pools, and keep babies away from open water.
Plants and natural items. Avoid unknown plants, mushrooms, berries, acorns and small stones. Anything small can be a choking hazard.
Fenced area. Use an enclosed space, and keep gates latched.
Equipment. Use equipment designed for babies. Adults should spot babies on any climber. Do not put infants on swings or slides meant for older children unless the equipment is designed for infants and your policy allows it.
Allergies and stings. Know which children have allergies, including to insect stings.
Safe sleep outdoors. If a baby falls asleep, follow your program’s safe sleep policy, which usually means returning the baby to a crib or cot.

Activities for non-mobile babies (including newborns)

A common question is what outdoor activities a newborn can do. In general, newborns need very little. Time outdoors with a caregiver, in the shade and with suitable clothing, can be a calm change of scene. Policies for newborns and very young babies in group care vary, and families and pediatricians may have preferences, so follow their guidance and your program’s rules.

Shaded blanket time. Place a clean blanket in the shade. Let babies lie on their backs to watch leaves, sky and birds. Always keep them within arm’s reach.
Supervised tummy time. When awake and watched, babies can practice lifting their heads on a blanket outside. Keep sessions short and stop if the baby is upset. Never leave a baby alone on their tummy, and never allow sleep on the tummy.
Carrying and gentle movement. Walking while holding a baby or using a stroller gives gentle movement and views. Use carriers or strollers according to the manufacturer’s instructions and program policy.
Reaching. Hold a safe toy or a large ribbon-free soft object where babies can reach.

Activities for crawlers

Texture crawl. Lay out safe, clean surfaces such as a mat, a blanket and a patch of grass you have checked. Encourage crawling from one to another with a toy at the end.
Crawling toward you. Sit a short distance away, smile and call a baby by name.
Tunnel play. A short, wide soft tunnel with an adult at the other end.
Ball chase. Roll a large soft ball slowly for babies to follow.
Big paper painting. Some programs tape large paper to the ground and let babies crawl across with baby-safe paint. This is messy and needs close supervision, since paint will likely be mouthed. Use only paint made for infants, and watch for allergies and skin sensitivities.

Activities for pullers, cruisers and early walkers

Pulling up on sturdy supports. Low, stable rails or benches that cannot tip. Spot babies closely.
Cruising path. A line of safe, stable objects for cruising along.
Push toys. Stable push toys on flat ground, away from slopes and stairs.
Gentle slopes. A small, gentle grassy slope can offer new challenges. Check for hazards and stay close.
Low steps. One or two low, wide steps with an adult spotting, in a space designed for infants.
Following and walking. Let babies walk to you, holding hands if they need support.
Bubbles. Blow bubbles for babies to watch or reach for. Use non-toxic bubble solution and avoid blowing directly in the face.
Music and movement. Dance and sway outdoors.

For more ideas for babies on the move, see mobile infant activities.

Setting up an infant outdoor space

Define zones. A calm area for non-mobile babies, and a separate active area for crawlers and walkers.
Offer shade. Natural shade or a safe canopy.
Keep it simple. A few mats, balls and sturdy supports are enough.
Check daily. Walk the area before each use for hazards.
Store supplies. Have wipes, water, spare clothes and first aid within reach.

Weather, sun and dressing

Most babies can enjoy short outdoor periods in a range of conditions with appropriate clothing. Check your program’s weather policy. Rain can add interest, but wet and cold require extra care. On hot or smoky days, indoor movement might be a better choice. Consider local air quality alerts.

When to talk to a professional

Babies develop at different rates. If you notice that a child seems unable to move one side of the body, loses skills, or is not meeting milestones in comparison with typical ranges, share your observations with the family and encourage them to speak to their pediatrician. Teachers observe and share; they do not diagnose. Milestone checklists from public health organizations can help guide conversations.

Frequently asked questions

What are some good gross motor activities for infants?

Tummy time, reaching, rolling on a blanket, crawling across different textures, pulling up on a stable support, cruising and walking with help.

What are some fun outdoor play activities for infants?

Blanket time in the shade, watching leaves and birds, crawling across safe textures, bubbles and short walks.

What are some gross motor skills for infants?

Head control, rolling, sitting, crawling, pulling to stand, cruising and walking. The timing varies from child to child.

What outdoor activities can you do with a newborn?

Short, shaded time outside with a caregiver, such as lying on a blanket or being carried or strolled, following family, pediatric and program guidance.

When babies grow into confident walkers and runners, see outdoor activities for 3-4 year olds for what comes next. For a broader planning approach, see infant curriculum activities, or read about room goals in infant classroom goals and setup. For seasonal outdoor ideas, try November infant activities.