Gross motor skills are not just the ability to stand, walk, or crawl but also the capacity to perform more complex tasks: jumping, running, pulling up, playing sports, and more. As children grow, mastering these movements becomes critical for their overall health, social interactions, and confidence. To make it easier and more natural for children to develop these skills, gross motor skills toys come in handy. They turn the mastery of new abilities into an engaging, fun learning experience through play.
You can offer toddlers and preschoolers dozens of different gross motor skills activities. Instead of boring workouts or exercises, they will enjoy exciting and engaging games that captivate their interest.
How Do Gross Motor Skills Affect Other Areas of Life?
These skills form the foundation of almost everything a person does throughout life: riding a bike, swimming, playing rugby or volleyball, and much more. Almost every daily activity requires the ability to hold objects, coordinated movements, body awareness in space, stamina, and strength—all of which are part of the broad concept of gross motor skills. Well-developed gross motor skills indicate good physical fitness and health, along with confidence in every movement.
Moreover, physical activity that requires or enhances gross motor skills also impacts emotional well-being by releasing endorphins, which can elevate mood and reduce stress in children (and adults as well). This is why it’s so important for parents and educators to focus on this aspect.
The Impact of Toys and Equipment on Gross Motor Skill Development
Gross motor skills equipment is not something overly specific and has often been viewed as playground equipment for fun and games. For example, the Montessori Triangle, which often introduces children to climbing, as well as the Montessori Arch, Balance boards, Toddler Climbing Gym, and other climbing structures are great examples of such equipment. Offering opportunities for climbing, crawling, grabbing and holding, pulling up, and other activities naturally leads to strengthening the core and limb muscles. The more frequently a child plays on these structures, the more confident and effortless their movements become. Well-designed toys enhance balance, agility, and strength by offering a safe yet stimulating environment for movement.
Types of Toys for Developing Gross Motor Skills
Most Montessori toys positively affect gross motor development in some way. However, depending on the types of activities this equipment offers, they can be divided into several main categories:
Climbing Toys
Indoor and outdoor Montessori climbing toys are perfect gross motor toys for preschoolers. They are versatile, multifunctional, safe, and exciting for children. Practicing climbing on wooden and rope ladders, pulling up, hanging, crawling under climbing frames, and using them in various play scenarios, children naturally enhance their strength, coordination, and channel their energy into productive movement.
Our Choice:
- Montessori Climbing Gym with Cushion. The Montessori climbing triangle in this set is one of our most popular items. It’s ideal for children from 8 months old, helping them develop balance and coordination. It is complemented by a climbing arch, which can also be used as a balance board. This versatile toy pairs perfectly with a ramp-slide for additional challenges.
- Swedish Wall with Gymnastics Accessories. This is something we recommend not only for preschoolers but also for older children. It helps develop gross motor skills through ladder use, strengthens the core when the child pulls up or simply hangs, holding onto the bar. Additional gymnastic accessories diversify the range of exercises and make the activity more enjoyable.
Balance Toys
Balance boards are ideal for enhancing the vestibular system and mastering body control in space. Balance beams allow for various exercises, such as walking on them while maintaining balance or jumping over them. Walking on a narrow surface strengthens core muscles and requires concentration with every step.
Our Choice
- Sensory Balance Beam. Ideal for the youngest users, it offers a beneficial sensory experience and a massage effect with its pleasantly textured surfaces.
- Balance Beam for Kids. A great choice for toddlers and young children. It is designed to test balancing skills, developing leg and core muscles, as well as contributing to cognitive development through the required focus and precision.
Swings
Swinging helps children calm down better. Moreover, it improves balance and body awareness. Rocking back and forth encourages the body to adjust and maintain posture.
Our Choice
- Indoor Rope Swings with Round Seat. These can be used as standalone items or as additional gymnastic accessories for Montessori climbing structures.
- Outdoor Playgrounds with Swings. This playground is a comprehensive solution that, in addition to a swing, offers ladders, slides, a sandbox, and much more.
Rockers and Arches
Rockers are a delightful children's entertainment that also contribute to the development of the vestibular system, helping young children calm down and manage excessive emotions. They are ideal for the youngest users.
Our Choice
- Large Climbing Arch with Cushion. This can be used as a balance board, for climbing, or even as a crawling tunnel. The cushion adds comfort, turning the arch into a cozy place to relax.
- Child's Rocking Chair. A lovely toy from the "Cloud" collection. In addition to its charming design, it offers a safe and pleasant play experience in the children's room.
Playhouses
Playhouses are enhanced Montessori climbing structures that, in addition to physical exercises, offer many options for creative play and cozy relaxation for children. They can be complemented with gymnastic elements, expanding the functionality of these play zones and providing even more benefits for little ones.
Our Choice
- Large Playground Climber. It offers various climbing and play options, promoting the development of muscle strength, coordination, and gross motor skills. It’s perfect for home use.
- Wooden Playground. It belongs to those indoor gross motor toys that encourage physical activity and help develop imagination, turning playtime into an exciting adventure.
