Movement Activities for Kids Who Crave Constant Motion – An OT’s Perspective

As an occupational therapist, I often see children who seem to be in constant motion, running, jumping, climbing, and spinning. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone! Many children have an innate need for movement and use it as a way to regulate their sensory systems.

I always say that movement is like medicine for kids - it helps them focus, stay engaged, and feel calm in their bodies. When we think about sensory play, messy activities like finger painting or water play might come to mind. But sensory experiences aren’t just about touch; they also include movement, balance, and body awareness, which are essential for children who seek movement to regulate their bodies and emotions.

If you have a little one who is constantly on the move, here are some of my favourite structured movement activities to help them stay regulated while having fun!

1. Land, Sea, Air

This great whole-body movement game works on listening skills and coordination.
✔ Set up different zones (land, sea, and air) in your play space.
✔ Call out a category; your child must run, jump, or crawl to the correct area.

To make it more exciting, add actions:
“Swim like a fish to the sea!”
“Fly like an eagle to the air!”
“Stomp like an elephant to the land!”

2. Base Game

This is a fantastic way to encourage movement, problem-solving, and sensory exploration!
✔ Start on a designated base (a mat, chair, or rug).
✔ Call out a characteristic—such as color, texture, shape, or letter.
✔ Your child runs to find and touch something that matches before returning to base.

For example:
“Touch something yellow!”
“Find something round!”
“Touch something soft!”
“Find something that starts with B!”

3. Animal Walks

These movements are great for core strength, coordination, and body awareness.
Crab walk – Hands and feet on the floor, belly up.
Frog jumps – Squat low, then jump high.
Bear crawl – Walk on hands and feet.
Bunny hops – Small, quick jumps.

You can turn this into a relay race or obstacle course for extra fun!

4. Scooter Board Toy Rescue

If you have a scooter board, try this fun, strength-building activity:
✔ Scatter small toys around the room.
✔ Have your child use their arms or legs to push the scooter board and collect the toys.

This provides deep pressure input and strengthens the core and upper body muscles!

5. Follow-Along Movement Videos

For days when you need structured movement but don’t have time to set up an activity, try movement-based YouTube videos!
Cosmic Kids Yoga (yoga with storytelling)
Kiboomers Kids Music (fun, interactive songs)
Jack Hartmann’s action songs (great for younger kids!)

6. Movement-Based Apps & Games

For an easy movement break, try GoNoodle—a free app with guided movement activities that are fun and high-energy.

7. Tug of War with a Twist

Tug-of-war is a fantastic movement activity that provides heavy work input, which can help with regulation.
✔ Play a friendly game of tug-of-war using a rope, towel, or resistance band.
✔ Add a soft crash pad (a couch or pile of cushions) behind your child.
✔ When you let go, they get to safely tumble backward into the crash pad for extra sensory input!

8. Crashing & Knocking Over Blocks

If your child loves big movement and impact, this is a safe and structured way to meet that need.
✔ Stack soft play blocks, pillows, or cushions into a tower.
✔ Let your child take a running jump to knock them over!
✔ You can also set up a crash zone with pillows or bean bags for safe, high-energy play.

Why Movement Matters

For kids who seek movement, structured activities like these provide the sensory input they crave while supporting motor development, attention, and emotional regulation.

If your child seems to be bouncing off the walls, try incorporating intentional movement into their day—it might just be the regulation tool they need!

Want even more ideas? Check out these great resources:
📌 Movement play for toddlers (1-3 years)
📌 Movement play for preschoolers (3-5 years)
📌 Vestibular activities for kids (a deep dive into movement & balance!)

I’d love to hear what your child’s favorite movement activities are. Comment below!