Here are some fun summer balance activities for kids, recommended by our physical therapists:
- Pillow Play: Have your child stand on a pillow or couch cushion with one or both feet. Add a challenge by having them close their eyes or play catch while balancing.
- Sidewalk Adventures: Encourage your child to walk on curbs or the edge of sidewalks, just like on a balance beam. This helps improve balance by practicing walking with a narrow base of support.
- Trail Treks: Take a hike or walk on uneven surfaces. The varying terrain will challenge your child’s ankle strategies to maintain balance, making it a fun and adventerous way to build strength.
- 3-Way Kicks: Have your child stand on one foot and place blocks or objects in front, to the side, and behind them. While facing the same direction, they can knock down the blocks with the other foot. This activity enhances balance and strengthens the hips.
- Bench Boosts: Practice standing and sitting up from a bench with one foot elevated on a ball, book, or similar object. This exercise promotes weight-bearing through one leg, doubling as a leg-strengthening activity.
Get outside and have a balanced summer! 🌞🌿