Let’s Get Moving: 15 Indoor and Outdoor Physical Activities for Babies

Physical activity is important to a baby’s development, and there are a lot of ways to add indoor and outdoor activities to daily routines.

Try to play outdoors for at least 20 minutes each day. Shorter times spread throughout the day work well, and activities can be adapted for inside or outside.

1. Place your baby on his back, allowing him to move his arms and legs.
2. Have regular Tummy Time for your baby up to 4 months old by placing him on his tummy for very short periods of time when awake. When on her tummy, encourage her to lift her head by holding toys at eye level. Let him try to grab the toys. This can also be done outdoors.
3. Provide a safe place for your baby to play on the floor. Babies like to try to reach for a soft toy while playing.
4. Make different facial expressions—especially smiling—while changing diapers.
5. Hold toys or rattles above your baby’s head and encourage him to reach for them. This is ideal for 2- and 3-month-olds.
6. Hold your baby upright with feet on the floor, and sing and talk to him.
7. Provide items that your baby can see herself in, such as an unbreakable mirror or shiny object. Mimic her actions and the actions of others.
8. Babies love sounds. Give him a rattle or similar safe, sound-producing object. Sing and shake and dance.
9. Create safe spaces for your baby to roll and move. Spread out a blanket for her to lay on her back or tummy. As she becomes more mobile, place things in front of her to climb up or over like pool noodles, or provide a soft place for him to crawl into, like a shallow pet bed with a rim around it.
10. Blow bubbles and watch her reactions, blowing them close enough so that older babies can try to touch them.
11. Use a towel in a sandbox to help your baby when she is learning to sit up without tipping over. The sand helps form a stable base.
12. Play peek-a-boo with a scarf or a lightweight towel.
13. Take your baby on frequent walks outside in a carrier, stroller or wagon. As she becomes more mobile, find spots on the walk where she can safely get out and explore.
14. Give your baby a large, safe place to move around and explore. Include a sturdy object where he can pull himself up to a standing position.
15. Provide your baby with a variety of toys to touch. Use a variety of colors, shapes and textures. Practice rolling soft balls to her to stop or examine.

For more information on how to encourage and support a child’s development, visit the Motor Milestones page. 

Source: Fun Activities Families Can Do with Their Children: Ideas for Families with Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers, Spring 2020, Minnesota Department of Education (PDF download)