Families For Life | Physical Activity for Younger Children-Toddlers

Once toddlers start walking, the world becomes a place to explore. Daily physical activity helps build strength, balance, coordination and confidence while supporting healthy growth.

The best way to keep toddlers active is through play. Encourage your child to walk, climb, run, dance and explore whenever possible. At playgrounds, simple activities such as climbing steps, balancing on equipment or going down a slide help develop important movement skills.

Toddlers enjoy activities that feel like games rather than exercise. Chasing bubbles, jumping over puddles, dancing to music or pretending to move like animals can turn active play into a fun family experience. Praising your child’s efforts helps build confidence and encourages them to keep trying.

Whenever possible, choose walking over short car rides. A walk to the nearby park, library or neighbourhood shop provides opportunities to be active while exploring the community.

At this age, children should accumulate at least three hours of physical activity throughout the day. This does not need to happen all at once. Short bursts of active play spread across the day are just as valuable.

The focus should remain on enjoyment and exploration, helping your toddler develop a positive attitude towards being active.

Outdoor Play

Outdoor activities and sunlight can help in reducing myopia in your child. Outdoor play also helps your child to be active and learn about social interaction and cooperation when playing with others.