Move, Play, Thrive: 10 At-Home Pediatric Physical Therapy Exercises for Babies and Kids

At-Home Pediatric Physical Therapy Made Fun

Looking for simple ways to support your child’s movement and development at home?

Whether they’re currently in pediatric physical therapy or you just want to give them a boost, these fun, everyday activities are designed to help.

Created with pediatric physical therapy principles in mind, each exercise builds foundational motor skills—like balance, strength, coordination, and body awareness—through playful, practical movement.

Best of all, they’re made for infants through 8-year-olds and easy to do with things you already have at home.

10 At-Home Pediatric Physical Therapy Exercises

1) Tummy Time with a Twist (Infants 0–8 months)

Why it helps: Builds neck, shoulder, and core strength — key early goals in pediatric physical therapy.

How to do it: Lay your baby on a soft ball (like a yoga or peanut ball) and gently roll them forward and back. This variation of tummy time supports posture and head control.

Tips:

• Always keep your hands on your baby.
• Make it short, frequent, and fun.

2) Mirror Games (Infants 3–8 months)

Why it helps: Supports visual tracking, midline orientation, and self-awareness.

How to do it: Place a baby-safe mirror near your baby during tummy or side play. Tap their reflection and talk to help them explore.

3) Blanket Pull Ride (Infants & Toddlers 6–18 months)

Why it helps: Encourages vestibular input, core stability, and balance.

How to do it: Sit your child on a blanket and gently pull them across a carpeted floor. It’s a fun way to engage sensory and motor systems.

Variation: Add a favorite toy to hold for more postural challenge.

4) Toy Transfer Reach (Toddlers 1–3 years)

Why it helps: Promotes trunk rotation, cross-body movement, and balance.

How to do it: Place toys on one side and a bucket on the other. Your child reaches, twists, and places toys in the container. Great for midline crossing!

5) Laundry Basket Push (Toddlers & Preschoolers 1–4 years)

Why it helps: Supports gross motor strength and early gait training, a common pediatric PT focus.

How to do it: Fill a basket with soft toys and let your child push it across the floor. Add or remove weight to adjust difficulty.

6) Painter’s Tape Balance Paths (Ages 2–6)

Why it helps: Works on dynamic balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.

How to do it: Create a line with painter’s tape and have your child walk along it. Add turns or different foot patterns like tiptoe or sideways steps.

7) Stuffed Animal Rescue (Ages 2–6)

Why it helps: Encourages motor planning, climbing, and bilateral coordination.

How to do it: Hide toys around a room and challenge your child to “rescue” them by crawling, climbing, or maneuvering through safe obstacles.

8) Crayon Toe Pick-Up (Ages 3–8)

Why it helps: Targets foot intrinsics and toe coordination — often overlooked but important in pediatric physical therapy.

How to do it: Have your child use their toes to grab and drop crayons into a bin. Try switching feet or racing the clock.

9) Dance Freeze Game (Ages 3–8)

Why it helps: Builds body awareness, postural control, and auditory processing.

How to do it: Dance to music and freeze in place when the music stops. Challenge them with silly shapes or animal poses.

10) Wall Push-Off Jumps (Ages 4–8)

Why it helps: Develops lower body power and core stability — essential for jumping and running skills.

How to do it: With their back to a wall, have your child squat and push off into a forward jump. Use floor markers for visual goals.

Note: Clear space for safety and encourage soft landings.

Wrapping It Up: Supporting Pediatric Physical Therapy at Home

These fun, simple activities are rooted in pediatric physical therapy and can help your child grow stronger, more confident, and better coordinated, no fancy equipment needed.

Every step of your child’s journey matters. If you need support or have questions, reach out to a pediatric physical therapist—we’re here to help your child grow stronger every day.