If I’m an infant…

  • Place me on my tummy and play with me. Tummy time helps me to push up on my arms and hold my head up.
  • Hold my feet when I am on my back and move my legs like I am riding a bike. This is so much fun! It will also help my coordination and  strengthen my legs.
  • Offer your fingers for me to grasp so I can pull up. This will strengthen my neck, upper body, back, and tummy and help me learn to sit.
  • Help me stand up and sit down repeatedly. This will strengthen the muscles I need to walk.

If I’m a toddler…

  • Create an obstacle course. This will create opportunities for me to climb, crawl, and balance. Use anything I can go over, under, around, or through (i.e. laundry basket, pillows, empty boxes, furniture).
  • Play catch with me using a soft ball or pair of rolled socks. This will help me catch and throw. It will also help my hand-eye coordination.
  • Dance with me! Any music or sing-along will do. Rhythmic activities help improve my coordination.
  • Play Follow the Leader. I will do what you do. Jump, run, kick, throw, and I will imitate you.

If I’m a preschooler…

  • Pretend to move like an animal. I can stomp like an elephant, jump like a kangaroo, and walk like a duck. This will strengthen my bones and muscles, and improve my coordination.
  • Imitate a sports skill. Let’s pretend to play baseball, soccer, or basketball! We don’t need equipment, just a great imagination.
  • Act out a story. Let’s make up a story where we act out my adventures. I could climb up a tree to save a cat or crawl in a cave to find hidden treasure.
  • Have a dance party! Put on any music and show me your best moves. I’ll show you mine!
  • Play with me! Help me learn new skills by making up games as we play together both inside and outside!

Click here for the Active Alphabet Guide for Parents.

Find outdoor parks and activities at the OC Parks Locator.