(StatePoint) Children needs lots of physical activity to develop their motor skills and grow up healthy and strong, and you can foster your toddler or preschooler’s love of movement by making playtime active. To get started, consider these indoor and outdoor playtime toys, games and ideas:
• Ball toss: For little ones, beach balls are a fun, easy and gentle way to play catch and other simple games. Raise the stakes with “Beach Ball Lava,” where the object of the collaborative game is to keep bouncing the ball upwards so that it never touches the ground.
• Get riding: Ride-on toys are a great way to get your child comfortable with the idea of a tricycle or bicycle. Look for one with pizazz, such as the Sort & Recycle Ride-On Truck. This lean, green recycling machine will not only get kids active, but also encourage them to recycle. Made from 90% reclaimed plastic, the truck includes play pieces that represent plastic, metal and paper. Kids can drive around, and at the same time, learn about recycling and reusing everyday objects.
• Bounce around: Give little muscles and minds a mini workout with the Bounce & Discover Llama, which promotes gross motor skills, strength and balance. With a sturdy, stable base and an easy-grasp handle, kids can safely bounce and turn side-to-side while activating buttons that teach colors, shapes and numbers.
