Walk on the Wild Side

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Age
1-5 years old
Child Development
Exploring nature, gross motor skills, curiosity.
Equipment
None
Physical Activity

This activity aims to develop the fundamental movement skills of locomotion & coordination (running, jumping, throwing, skipping, hopping, galloping, side shuffling, climbing), and balance.

How to Play

Go for a walk with your family and create different obstacles out of the natural things you come across. Here are some examples:

  • Jump in or over a puddle
  • Hop over fallen twigs
  • Balance along fallen trees
  • Climb a tree and hang from a low hanging branch
  • Find a small rock to throw in to the creek
  • Collect a pile of leaves or pinecones, only picking up one at a time
  • Find a large rock to climb up and over
  • Run to one tree, skip to the next, then walk sideways to another
Change it up / Alternatives / Additional Options
  • Write down all the moves you create and see how many different locations you can perform these actions, such as the beach, forest, mountains and park.
  • For individuals with a disability, adapt the activities to specific movements that they can accomplish, such as wheel through a puddle or feel the difference in leaves from grass.
  • If you have a child with another type of disability not mentioned above, they may be able to participate in this activity without adaptations or modifications.