Preschool-aged Children
Early childhood is the ideal time for preschoolers to be active. This is when they enjoy learning to run and jump and climb and play ball. Sometimes children are not as active as they should be. Television, video games, and busy schedules can fill up a child’s day leaving little time for active play.
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Parents and caregivers are key role models for their children. An active adult increases the chances that a child will be active for life. Being active with your child is necessary for many reasons. Not only is active play a fun way to spend quality time with your child, but it also helps your child to develop his gross motor skills. Gross motor skills, like hopping, catching, and balancing are the building blocks to more complex skills as your child grows.
Want some physical activity ideas?
Try out our Interactive Activity Generator! Search by Season, Location, or Challenge to find great activities for people of all ages! Click the picture to the left for more!
Looking for some IDEAS specific to preschool-aged children?
Our ACTIVITY TIPS section has lots of fun and easy tips on how to get you and your little one(s) moving. Click on the logo to the right for more.
Getting active with your preschooler is fun and beneficial for all! Regular activity allows children to release their energy, display calmer behaviour during the day, and sleep better at night. As a parent, playing with your child gets you more active too! It also allows you to develop a strong, healthy relationship with your child by having fun together.
The following information is intended for use by parents, guardians and caregivers of preschool-aged children (3 – 5 years of age). We hope it enables you to actively play and enjoy time with your preschooler.
What skills can my preschooler have?
Every day, preschoolers need at least:
of structured physical activity
to several hours of unstructured physical activity
Children get most of their physical activity requirements through active play. Some examples of active play are listed below:
- Walking, running and playing tag
- Water play and learning to swim
- Sliding on a toboggan and walking back up the hill
- Playing “Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes”
- Learning to ride a bicycle
- Marching and moving to music
- Climbing up the ladder and going down the slide
- Running through a sprinkler
- Trying to balance while walking on a curb
- Planting a garden
- Helping vacuum and dust the house
By planning a variety of activities, you will help to increase their endurance, strength and flexibility.
If you've ever watched children on a playground, you've seen these elements of fitness in action. The child:
- runs away from the kid who's "it" (cardio)
- crosses the monkey bars (strength)
- bends down to tie his or her shoes (flexibility)
- Improves social skills by interacting with other children
- Allows children to meet new friends
- Improves self confidence and makes children feel good about themselves
- Sets the tone for life long activity
- Helps children maintain a healthy weight
- Build strong bones and muscles
- Helps children sleep better
- Develops coordination and maintains flexibility
- Helps children learn new skills
What skills can my preschooler have??
Gross motor development can vary from child to child, even among children of the same age. It is important as caregivers that children are provided with the structure, safety and opportunities; children will cover how much to move, when to move and how often to be active.
To find out what development stages your child will typically go through when learning gross motor skills such as running, jumping, kicking, climbing and others click here!
For common barriers and solutions to overcome them click here!
For Parents and Guardians
Healthy Start for Life – This information is provided by Dieticians of Canada and 9 organizations. It is for parents and child care providers of preschoolers and includes an activity planning guide complete with a sample monthly activity plan and suggestions for fun activities to keep preschoolers moving.
Healthy Eating and Active Living for your 1 to 5 year old - This publication from Alberta Health provides information you can use to encourage your preschooler to be active and achieve healthy eating habits.
Moving and growing: exercises and activities for two, three and four year olds - provided by Child & Family Canada, a Canadian public education website.
Physical Activity Chart - Have fun keeping track of your child's physical activity with the Physical Activity Chart, created by the Public Health Agency of Canada. To order stickers to go with the chart, click here.
Games & Activities for Parents & Caregivers - Check out this fun list of games that parents and caregivers can play with their kids! It lists all the supplies and directions you need and is guaranteed fun for all! Click here for the parents resource, and here for the caregivers resource.
For more parent and guardian resources click here!
For Childcare Providers
Parachute Play – games to play using a parachute provided by Child & Family Canada.
Snacktivity Box – The Snacktivity box for childcare providers was created by Healthy U and provides fun and easy activities around physical activity and healthy eating for children ages 3 to 5.
Right from the Start: Supporting Physically Active Young Children – The Canadian Child Care Federation provides this information sheet for childcare providers.
The City of Calgary's Recreation Guide
Calgary Boys & Girls Club - Club Information
(Click on photo to see large version)