Big Energy, Little Bodies: Celebrating National Preschool Health & Fitness Day!

Simple moves today, Healthy habits for life.

The last Friday of January is National Preschool Health & Fitness Day and is a great time to celebrate building healthy habits early! From birth to age five, children’s brains and bodies are growing at lightning speed, and movement plays a powerful role in supporting that development. Below are a few simple ways you and your children can stay active together, both at home and outdoors.

Head to the Park

Nothing sparks active play quite like fresh air and open spaces. Simple activities like running, climbing, swinging, or playing catch help preschoolers build strength, coordination, and confidence. Parks also give children the chance to practice social skills as they play alongside others. Outdoor play turns physical activity into fun, creating positive habits that can last a lifetime. Let nature do the coaching while children stretch their imagination.

Host a 10-minute Dance Party

Hosting a 10-minute dance party is a fun and easy way to get preschoolers moving! Turn on their favorite music and encourage them to jump, spin, clap, and wiggle to the beat. Dancing helps build coordination, balance, and self-expression while boosting mood and energy! Best of all, short dance breaks fit easily into any day and make physical activity feel like play.

Play Freeze Tag

Freeze tag is a playful activity that gets preschoolers moving while having fun together. Don't underestimate this simple activity! This game helps build cardiovascular endurance, coordination, and listening skills as children stop and start on cue. It also encourages turn-taking and cooperation while keeping everyone engaged. Freeze tag turns activity play into an exciting game that supports healthy development.

Create a Simple Obstacle Course

Turn movement into an adventure by setting up a playful obstacle course using everyday items. Creating a simple obstacle course is a great way to challenge preschoolers' bodies while keeping play exciting. Use pillows, cones, tunnels, or sidewalk chalk to encourage jumping, crawling, balancing, and hopping. This activity will develop strength, coordination, and problem-solving skills.

Go on an Adventurous Walk

Going on an adventurous walk turns a simple stroll into an exciting exploration for toddlers. Encourage children to hop over puddles, race to the next tree, or search for colors and shapes along the way! Walking helps build endurance and coordination while supporting curiosity and observation skills. Adding imagination and movement makes this everyday activity a fun and healthy adventure!

Ball Play Basics

With just a ball and a little space, children can enjoy meaningful movement through play. Activities like rolling, throwing, kicking, and catching help develop hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills. Basic ball play is a simple and fun way to keep preschoolers active and engaged. From gentle rolls to big kicks, every bounce and throw helps build strong bodies and happy hearts.

Animal Movement Games

Whether your kids hop like frogs, slither like snakes, or even waddle like penguins, these animal movements are a fun way for your children to develop strength and coordination. By pretending to be animals, children get exercise without even realizing they're building healthy habits! Animal movement games are a playful way for preschoolers to get moving while using their imagination!

We hope you try one (or all!) of these activities—not just on National Preschool Health & Fitness Day, but every day as you build healthy habits together!