Toddler Gross Motor Skills: Running, Jumping and Balance

Between their first and third birthdays, most children go from wobbly first steps to running, climbing, kicking a ball and jumping with both feet. These big movements, which use the large muscles of the arms, legs and body, are called gross motor skills. They matter for much more than sport: they help toddlers explore, play with other children, build confidence and develop the strength and balance that later support sitting still, writing and self-care. This guide explains what toddler gross motor skills are, when toddlers usually run and jump, how balance and coordination develop, simple gross motor activities for ages 1 to 3 and when it may be worth asking for advice.

What are gross motor skills?

Gross motor skills are movements that involve the whole body or large muscle groups: walking, running, climbing, jumping, throwing, kicking, pushing and pulling. They depend on muscle strength, balance, coordination, body awareness and the ability to plan a movement. Fine motor skills, by contrast, involve small movements of the hands and fingers, such as picking up a raisin or turning a page.

The two are linked. A stable, strong trunk and shoulders give the arms and hands a firm base, so plenty of big movement play in the toddler years also supports later drawing, cutting and writing.

When do toddlers run and jump?

Every child develops at their own pace, and the ages below are broad guides rather than deadlines. Some children walk at nine months, others closer to eighteen months, and both can be entirely typical.

Progress is rarely a straight line. Children often focus on one new skill, such as talking, while movement seems to pause for a while, and then leap ahead.

Around 12 to 18 months

• Takes first independent steps and gradually walks more steadily.
• Squats down to pick up a toy and stands up again.
• Crawls up stairs and begins climbing onto low furniture.
• Pushes and pulls toys while walking.

Around 18 months to 2 years

• Walks confidently and begins to run, often with a stiff, hurried gait.
• Walks up stairs holding a hand or the rail.
• Kicks a large ball forwards and throws a ball, though not yet accurately.
• Climbs on and off furniture and play equipment.

Around 2 to 3 years

• Runs more smoothly, changing direction and stopping more easily.
• Jumps with both feet off the ground, first on the spot and then forwards.
• Walks up and down stairs, sometimes one foot per step going up.
• Balances briefly on one foot and may start to pedal a tricycle.
• Throws a ball overhead and catches a large ball against the body.

Toddler balance and coordination

Balance and coordination develop through practice. Each time a toddler walks on grass, climbs a step, carries a toy or stands on tiptoe, the brain receives information from the muscles, joints, eyes and inner ear, and gradually learns to adjust. Uneven surfaces, gentle slopes and climbing challenges give this system plenty to work with.

Coordination also includes using both sides of the body together, such as pushing a ride-on toy with both feet or clapping, and crossing the middle of the body, such as reaching across to pick up a ball. These skills grow naturally through varied, active play.

Gross motor activities for ages 1 to 3

Toddlers do not need structured exercise. They need time, space and interesting things to move on, over, under and around. Short bursts of active play spread through the day work well at this age.

• Push and pull toys, such as a small cart, a toy pram or a box to push across the floor.
• Ball play: rolling, kicking and throwing soft balls of different sizes.
• Obstacle courses with cushions to climb over, a blanket tunnel to crawl through and a low step to jump from.
• Movement songs and dancing, stopping and starting when the music does.
• Walking on different surfaces: grass, sand, gentle slopes and low curbs while holding hands.
• Animal moves: waddle like a penguin, jump like a frog, stretch tall like a giraffe.
• Ride-on and balance toys, with close supervision and suitable safety equipment.
• Playground play on low slides, steps and swings designed for toddlers.

Follow your child's lead. If they want to climb the same step twenty times, they are practising exactly what their body needs.

Outdoor play and movement

The outdoors gives toddlers room to run and a variety of surfaces and slopes that are hard to recreate indoors. A garden, park or beach invites climbing, digging, carrying, splashing and chasing. Even short daily outdoor sessions give children valuable movement practice, fresh air and natural light.

In warm weather, plan active outdoor play for the cooler parts of the day, offer water regularly and use shade and sun protection.

Simple outdoor jobs are movement practice too. Carrying a small watering can, pushing a toy wheelbarrow full of leaves or collecting pine cones in a bucket all build strength, balance and coordination, and toddlers love feeling useful.

Safety without holding children back

Toddlers learn to move safely by moving, so the aim is to make the environment safe enough for them to take small, manageable risks. Constant warnings of "be careful" can make children hesitant without teaching them what to do.

• Supervise closely, especially near stairs, water and roads.
• Use stair gates and secure heavy furniture so it cannot tip.
• Choose play equipment designed for your child's age.
• Offer specific guidance, such as "hold on with both hands" or "feet on the step", instead of general warnings.
• Let your child try challenges they choose, while staying close enough to help.

Movement, language and confidence

Active play is also full of language. Words like up, down, fast, slow, over, under, jump and stop are learned most easily when children are doing them. Games such as "ready, steady, go" help toddlers practise listening and waiting, and playing chase or ball games with others builds early social skills. Our guide to toddler language development looks at how talking grows alongside these experiences.

Plenty of physical activity can also help with sleep and mood. Tired, restless toddlers are more prone to meltdowns, and a run in the garden can sometimes prevent the storm; see our guide to toddler tantrums for more on big feelings.

Gross motor play at nursery

A good nursery day includes plenty of opportunities to move, both indoors and outdoors: space to crawl and walk, low climbing equipment, balls, push toys, music and movement sessions and time in the garden. When choosing a nursery, ask how much time children spend outdoors and how the day balances active play with quieter moments.

At the Altın Anahtar nursery in Alsancak, the nursery group is for children aged 12 months to 3 years, and play, music and time in our outdoor garden are part of the daily routine. You can contact the Altın Anahtar team in English to arrange a visit by appointment.

When to seek advice

Children vary widely, but it is worth talking to your paediatrician if your child is not walking by around 18 months, walks mainly on tiptoe after they have been walking for some time, seems very floppy or very stiff, frequently falls much more than other children of the same age, has lost skills they previously had, or uses one side of the body much more than the other. Early advice can bring reassurance or, if needed, timely support.

For more practical guides to the nursery years, visit the Kyrenia Nursery Guide.

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