Physical Activity for Preschool-Aged Children

All children need physical activity to grow up strong and healthy. It is important to start early to build a strong foundation for an active lifestyle.

How Much Activity Do Preschool-Aged Children (3-5 years) Need?

Younger kids love to be active naturally. Offer a variety of age-appropriate and enjoyable activities. Encourage them to move and engage in active play as well as in structured activities, such as throwing games and bicycle or tricycle riding. Include activities that strengthen muscles and bones. Aim for these recommendations:

Physical activity every day throughout the day (aim to keep them moving at least 3 hours a day)
Active play through a variety of enjoyable physical activities

Types of Activity for Preschool-Aged Children

Strong Heart

Do activities that get your heart beating faster. Some examples include:
- Games such as tag or follow the leader
- Playing on a playground
- Tricycle or bicycle riding
- Walking, running, skipping, jumping, dancing
- Swimming
- Catching, throwing, or kicking games
- Gymnastics or tumbling
Strong Muscles

Do activities that make your muscles work harder than usual. Some examples include:
- Games such as tug of war
- Climbing on playground equipment
- Gymnastics
Strong Bones

Do activities the produce pressure to help bones get stronger. Some examples include:
- Hopping, skipping, jumping
- Jumping rope
- Running
- Gymnastics

Ready to Get Active as a Family?

Finding ways to get moving together helps fit more physical activity into everybody's day. Include family walks, riding bikes, or playing active games together as part of your family's daily routine. Go to public parks, community baseball fields, or basketball courts to encourage everyone to be active.

Don't forget to make physical activity fun. Try one of our family activities: