A Spring in Your Step: Jumping Fun for Pediatric PT!

We believe movement is magic—especially when it comes to jumping! Jumping activities are not just fun; they play a vital role in developing strength, coordination, balance, and confidence in children. Whether your little one is working on motor skills, building endurance, or just needs a little extra encouragement to move, incorporating jumping exercises can make physical therapy engaging and effective. Check out some of Dr. Brianna's favorite jumping activities to keep your child active and smiling!

1. Hopscotch Happiness
This classic game is fantastic for balance, coordination, and lower-body strength. Use chalk outside or tape indoors to create a hopscotch board and encourage kids to hop on one foot or jump with both feet together. For an added challenge, have them pick up small objects while hopping!
2. Trampoline Time
Mini trampolines are a great way to work on proprioception, balance, and leg strength in a safe and controlled environment. Supervised bouncing sessions help kids improve coordination and even offer sensory input that can be calming and regulating.
3. Lily Pad Leaps
Place floor markers, mats, or even pillows on the ground as "lily pads." Have children jump from one to another, encouraging them to vary their jumping patterns—two feet together, single-leg hops, or side-to-side jumps. This activity enhances motor planning and agility.
4. Jump Rope Jamboree
Jump rope is an excellent way to build endurance, timing, and rhythm. Start with simple two-foot jumps and progress to more advanced moves like alternating feet or crossing the rope. If a full jump rope is too challenging, try using a smaller rope for individual jumps.
5. Animal Jumps
Encourage kids to imitate different animals as they jump! Frog jumps, kangaroo hops, and bunny bounces are fun ways to build leg strength and engage core muscles. Turn it into a game by calling out different animals and having kids switch their jumping style accordingly.
6. Obstacle Course Challenges
Set up an obstacle course with cones, hurdles, and balance beams where kids must jump over, onto, or through different elements. This not only builds strength but also enhances sequencing and problem-solving skills.
7. Balloon Bounce
Blow up a balloon and challenge kids to keep it in the air using jumps! This activity promotes endurance, coordination, and reaction time, making it a fantastic way to get kids moving without them even realizing they’re exercising.

Why Jumping Matters
Jumping isn’t just about play—it’s a fundamental skill that contributes to overall physical development. It strengthens bones, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances body awareness. For children in physical therapy, jumping exercises can be tailored to target specific motor skills while keeping sessions fun and engaging.
Here at Leaps, we make movement exciting, helping every child develop the skills they need to thrive. Try out these activities at home or in therapy sessions, and watch your little one soar—one jump at a time!
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Ready to Get Moving?
If your child could benefit from fun, movement-based therapy, we’d love to help! Contact us today to learn more about our pediatric physical therapy programs. Let’s put a spring in their step together!