Encouraging Movement, Strength and Fun – A Paediatric Physiotherapist’s Guide
When it comes to supporting a child’s development, play isn’t just fun – it’s foundational.
The right toys can help children strengthen their bodies, improve coordination, and develop both gross motor skills and fine motor skills. These are essential for everyday activities such as walking, running, climbing, using cutlery, writing, and participating in sport and school.
At Ohana Physiotherapy on the Gold Coast, our paediatric physiotherapists regularly encourage families to use purposeful play to support their child’s physical development. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, here are some of our top toy recommendations to help children build strength, confidence and body awareness through play.
Gross Motor Skills: 10 Toys That Get Kids Moving
Gross motor skills involve the large muscle groups that support movement, posture and balance. When these develop well, children are better able to keep up with peers and feel confident in their bodies.
These toys support strength, coordination, balance and motor planning:
1. Ride-On Toys & Scooters
Fantastic for developing leg strength, core stability and balance. Push toys are perfect for toddlers, while scooters introduce higher-level balance and coordination skills for preschoolers and school-aged children.
2. Balance Bikes
Balance bikes are a great stepping stone towards learning to ride a bicycle. They develop:
- Core strength
- Postural control
- Coordination
- Confidence with movement
All without the frustration of training wheels.
3. Balance Beams or Stepping Stones
Perfect for creating a DIY obstacle course at home. These improve:
- Dynamic balance
- Controlled stepping
- Spatial awareness
- Body coordination
4. Mini Trampolines (with Handle)
Jumping builds power in the legs and helps with coordination and sensory regulation. Look for options with a handle for added stability and safety, especially for younger children.
5. Crawl Tunnels & Obstacle Courses
Amazing for full-body strengthening, motor planning and problem solving. Add pillows, cones or hoops to create a multi-skill challenge that includes:
- Crawling
- Balancing
- Jumping
- Navigating space
6. Hopper Balls (Bouncy Balls with Handles)
Great for building leg strength, improving coordination and providing valuable vestibular input, which supports balance and body awareness.
7. Push & Pull Toys
Perfect for toddlers and early walkers. These support:
- Core and leg strength
- Coordination
- Early walking skills
Think wagons, toy lawnmowers, prams or vacuum cleaners.
8. Scooter Boards
Scooter boards are fantastic for upper body and core strength. Children can:
- Lie on their tummy and propel with hands
- Sit and steer
- Navigate obstacle courses
This is especially helpful for building bilateral coordination and motor planning.
9. Kid-Sized Basketball Hoops & Bowling Sets
Throwing, aiming and retrieving helps develop:
- Hand-eye coordination
- Visual tracking
- Gross motor control
- Directional awareness
10. Sensory Spots or “Lava Jump Pads”
Place textured mats, dots or cushions around the floor and encourage kids to:
- Jump
- Balance
- Leap
- Change direction
This improves dynamic balance, strength, creativity and imagination using games like “The floor is lava!”
Why Motor Skill Development Matters
Motor skill development is essential for:
- Independence in daily tasks
- Participation in sport and play
- School readiness (handwriting, sitting posture, attention)
- Confidence and social engagement
Some children may require additional support due to:
- Developmental delays
- Hypermobility or low muscle tone
- Neurological or genetic conditions
- Autism or sensory processing differences
- Prematurity
- Reduced physical activity levels
If your child is struggling with coordination, balance, frequent falls, fatigue, or keeping up with peers, a paediatric physiotherapy assessment can help.
How Ohana Physiotherapy Can Help
At Ohana Physiotherapy on the Gold Coast, our paediatric physiotherapists support children of all abilities through play-based, evidence-based therapy.
We can help with:
✅ Gross motor delay
✅ Poor balance or coordination
✅ Hypermobility & low muscle tone
✅ Developmental conditions
✅ NDIS physiotherapy support
✅ Early intervention
✅ School readiness
✅ Confidence with movement
We tailor sessions to your child’s unique needs and use fun, engaging and functional activities to help them thrive.
If you’d like personalised toy recommendations, support for your child’s development, or an assessment, we would love to help.