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From their very first tumble to that cheeky dash across the living room, young children are wired to move. Movement isn’t just a way to burn energy – it’s how little ones learn, grow, and make sense of the world around them. But with so much advice out there, it can be hard to know exactly what kind and how much physical activity is right for your child. .
At Kids Planet, we get it. We see first-hand how powerful play and movement are in shaping confident, curious children. So, whether you’re chasing a toddler or encouraging those early steps, we’re here with advice, ideas, and a little reassurance.
In this guide, we’ll explore trusted advice on physical activity in the early years, offer ideas for physical activities for toddlers, and show how Kids Planet supports active, healthy development.
Physical activity in early years lays the foundation for healthy growth and development. It supports everything from motor skills to brain development and even emotional wellbeing. According to the NHS guidelines, regular movement can help build strong bones and muscles, improve balance and coordination, and encourage social skills through play.
Plus, being active helps kids sleep better, stay at a healthy weight, and build a lifelong love of moving their bodies. So those wriggles and jumps are not just play – they’re a big part of growing up healthy and strong.
It might surprise you, but under-fives who can walk should be active for at least three hours a day. This might sound like a lot, but it includes all types of movement – from playing in the garden to dancing in the living room. The key is variety and making it fun!
Here’s a quick breakdown of how much physical activity your little one should be getting each day:
Should be encouraged to be physically active several times a day in a variety of ways.Tummy time, stretching, and rolling all count.
Should spend at least 180 minutes (3 hours) per day moving – wiggling, toddling, climbing, or dancing!
Still need at least 3 hours each day of activity, with at least an hour of this being energetic play (like running, jumping, or climbing).
At Kids Planet, we make sure outdoor physical activity is a big part of every child’s day – because fresh air and freedom are brilliant for their wellbeing.
Finding new and exciting ways to get your toddler moving doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need fancy equipment. Just imagination, space to move, and maybe a bit of music!
Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
Use cushions, boxes, and blankets to create a safe indoor course for crawling, climbing, and jumping.
Pop on a playlist and let your toddler move freely. Dancing builds coordination and rhythm. Let down your hair and get silly with your little one!
Whether you head to the park or your street, spot bugs, leaves, and birds along the way, or even play ‘I spy’.
Splashing in the paddling pool or pouring water between cups builds motor skills and is great fun.
Scooters, trikes, or push-along toys are great for developing balance and building strength, coordination and confidence.
At Kids Planet, we’re big believers in outdoor learning and all the amazing benefits it brings for little ones. Our Udeskole approach is inspired by the Nordic idea of ‘outdoor school’, so we make outdoor learning a regular part of each day, helping children explore nature, stay active, and learn in fresh, fun ways – and yes, that means plenty of muddy puddles too!
Being outside boosts everything from focus and confidence, to social skills and physical health. With the help of our brilliant sports coaches, we make sure kids are always moving and having fun. And whatever the weather, we believe there’s no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothes!
Each child develops at their own pace, but there are some common physical milestones you can look out for:
Pulling up to stand, cruising along furniture, possibly taking first steps.
Walking independently, climbing onto furniture, beginning to run.
Kicking a ball, climbing stairs with assistance, jumping with both feet.
Catching a large ball, hopping, and pedalling on a tricycle.
Remember, every child is different. Some will be more physically confident earlier, while others may take their time. What matters most is providing the encouragement and opportunities to be active every day.
Helping your child enjoy physical activity in the early years is all about making movement part of everyday life. Here are some easy ways to encourage more activity at home:
Balance screen time with active play to keep your child moving and engaged.
Whether it’s indoors or in the garden, give your child room to explore and move.
Your enthusiasm is contagious and sets the tone! Play games together, go on walks, or build a fort.
Praise your child for trying new things, not just for doing them perfectly.
Build active time into your daily schedule so movement becomes a natural part of the day.
At Kids Planet, we know that movement isn’t just a ‘nice to do’ – it’s at the heart of every child’s development.
Across our nurseries, children are encouraged to explore, climb, run, dig, dance, balance, and jump, every single day. Our dedicated sports coaches and outdoor play spaces mean little ones always have the chance to move their bodies and build their confidence.
And because no two children are the same, we support each one at their own pace – with big cheers for every small step.
Ready to find a nursery where every day is an active adventure? Find your nearest Kids Planet nursery and come see how we support healthy, happy development through movement and play.
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