Balloon Activities for Gross Motor Development

Balloons are a fun alternative if you notice your child is struggling to catch a ball. Because balloons float slower to the ground it increases the amount of time a child has to coordinate their arm movements to catch the balloon. It can also work on their visual tracking and hand eye coordination. This activity is great for all seasons, and can be done both in and outdoors!

Start sitting on the floor with your hands and feet flat. Lift your bottom up off the floor and keep your belly flat. Imagine getting ready to do a crab walk. With your hands flat on the floor, use your feet to keep the balloon in the air, kicking with one foot at a time. You may have to crab walk to keep the balloon from falling. This is a great way to address balance, coordination, and strengthening.
Lying on your stomach, lift your arms and legs off the ground like you are superman flying. Try to tap the balloon between each hand to keep it from hitting the ground and hold this position for as long as possible. This is a great way to address strength.

For w-sitters: sitting crisscross applesauce while trying to keep the balloon up in the air or playing catch with your child. You can also change it up and try a side sit position to help stretch out the hips too!
For tight hamstrings: sit in a long sitting position; this is where your legs are straight out in front of you and back can be supported against a wall if it is more comfortable. Place balloon at the end of your feet, or however far your child can reach while keeping the backs of their knees as flat as possible to the ground. Your child can reach for the balloon and then sit back up and try to toss it to you!

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