The fun aspect of improving gross motor skills is that it requires little learners to get up and get moving (more than ever with all the tech tools kids have)! Help them do just that with my favorite gross motor toys and tools for indoor and outdoor recess.
You’ll find some great classics, such as wagons, and some items that have a new and improved twist to them. All of these items are perfect for outdoor recess or indoor recess.
For some indoor activities that exercise gross motor skills, visit our Music and Movement Tools and Toys Post.
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Favorite Gross Motor Tools and Toys for Preschool and Kindergarten
Practice balancing, jumping, and judgment by letting students hop across these colorful rocks that can be used indoors.
These walking cups are so much fun to use. Kids instantly gain a few inches of growth by walking and balancing on this classic gross motor toy.
Fun for the entire class! There are so many activities to explore with a parachute. Turn on some music and teach students how to disappear underneath while singing songs. You could also throw a ball or two 
in the middle and play parachute catch. Explore math vocabulary to like fast, slow, up, down, under, and in between as you play!
I remember playing with these boards when I was in preschool. Not only are they a blast to ride on, they help kids learn how to scoot, balance, and manipulate their legs to keep on rolling. These are AMAZING to build those core muscles! Have students lay on their bellies for a race or grab onto a hula hoop so friends can pull them.
Instead of using plain bean bags, use ones that have numbers. That way students can learn while improving their gross motor skills.
Melissa & Doug Sunny Patch Verdie Chameleon Double-Sided Bean Bag Toss Game
This toss game is bright, colorful, and the perfect way to get students engaged in tossing bean bags. Ask students who can make it for some tips on how to make a good shot. I love this one becasue it folds up which makes it perfect to pull out for indoor recess!
Set up relay races, race start, and finish lines, obstacle courses, and play games with a set of colorful cones. You could also use them as bases for a small indoor version of baseball using a beach ball. For a fun game have students gentluy kick them over then stand them back up using only their feet!
This pop up tunnel is a great tool to use with students. It helps get the wiggles out, plus it helps stretch and exercises those growing muscles. Students love it because it is so colorful. This one comes with a bag too for storage!
Students can test their counting skills along with practicing hoping on one foot and two feet. Make sure they throw a bean bag to make the game a little more interesting.
Melissa & Doug Monster Plush 6-Pin Bowling Game
Line them up and knock them down with the plush bowling ball. All of the pins are monsters, which is only appropriate for all of your little monsters. How CUTE this bowling set!
This gross motor toy really challenges students! Turn on the music and make it fun. We love using these for obstacle courses!
I like this trampoline because it is foldable and can be put away when it’s not in use (perfect for indoor recess)! The bar also comes in handy to help kids get a little extra spring in their step. Make sure you are standing near the trampolibe when students are using it!
This set of logs works the same way a balance beam does, but you can position this product to go in different directions versus one straight line.
Paint in the great outdoors on plexiglass. The surface makes it very easy to clean and is optimal for outdoor use.
Radio Flyer All-Terrain Red Wagon
Every preschooler and kindergartner needs a wagon! This is a great option because it will last year after year. The kids think it’s a pretty neat tool too.
Here is another essential for little learners, a good old-fashioned tricycle. Like it’s lovely counterpart above, this brand holds up to wear and tear like no other. Don’t forget the helmet too.
Shooting hoops is a ton of fun for preschoolers and kindergartners. It helps with focus, determination, and muscle growth.
These can be used either outdoors or indoors. The pieces fit easily together and allow little learners to construct different shapes to crawl on, under, and over.
This is perfect for a couple of kids (or even an adult to use!). The flat platform is sturdy enough to handle more than your average swing. We have this swing on our playground and it is always in use! We only allow students to sit or lay on their bellies when they swing.
What are your favorite gross motor tools and toys for preschool and kindergarten? You can also share your student’s favorite picks too! After all, this is to help them learn and grow.
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Want more to check out more of my favorite things for little learners? Check out my Favorite Things Blog Series with over 15 different favorite things lists (and growing)! If there are any favorite things for a theme you need, just let us know so we can create it for you.
