PT Picks for a Summer of Fun!
Summer is the perfect time for kids to move, explore, and grow—both physically and emotionally. As a physical therapist, I am always looking for ways to make strengthening and exercise fun and easy! The good news is, kids don’t need structured workouts to build strength, coordination, and confidence. Play is their best form of exercise!
Here are some of my favorite summer activities that promote physical development while keeping kids engaged:
1. Water Play - with a Twist!
Water play is more than just splashing around—it’s a great way to build balance, core strength, and motor planning.
Try this:
Set up a backyard "car wash" for bikes or ride-on toys. Kids can push, spray, bend, and lift—incorporating both gross and fine motor skills.
Use a watering can to "walk the line" (have them carry it along a chalk-drawn line) to improve balance and spatial awareness.
PT Pro Tip: Water adds resistance and unpredictability, which challenges muscle control and coordination in a safe and fun way.
2. Obstacle Courses: Ninja Warrior Style!
A backyard obstacle course is a fantastic way to work on agility, coordination, and motor planning!
Ideas for obstacles:
Crawl under pool noodles
Jump over soft pillows or cones
Walk heel-to-toe along a rope or chalk line
Balance a bean bag on their head as they move
Don’t touch the lava!
PT Pro Tip: Vary the course daily or let your child build their own to encourage creativity and body awareness!
3. Nature Walks and Treasure Hunts!
Walking on uneven surfaces like trails or sand helps build ankle strength, mobility and improves balance.
Make it fun:
Turn a walk into a treasure hunt. Create a checklist of things to find—like a pinecone, a butterfly, or a smooth rock.
PT Pro Tip: Encourage tip-toe walking, duck walking on heels marching, or walking sideways for short stretches to activate different muscle groups!
4. Bike Riding and Scootering!
Summer is prime time for riding! These activities build core strength, leg power, and overall coordination.
Safety first: Make sure helmets fit properly, and practice in low-traffic areas or bike paths.
PT Pro Tip: If your child is working on balance or hasn’t mastered a two-wheeler yet, a balance bike is a great option to build confidence and control.
5. Dance Party!
Music + movement = a fun way to build motor planning, rhythm, and cardiovascular endurance.
Try this:
Freeze dance with movement challenges (hop on one foot, spin, crawl)
Create a dance routine together
Use scarves or ribbons to explore different movement patterns
PT Pro Tip: Incorporating music helps kids anticipate movement and improves timing and coordination.
Final Thoughts
Every child is unique, and the key is to meet them where they are developmentally—encouraging play that feels like play, not therapy. Whether your child is working on gross motor milestones or just needs to burn off some energy, summer offers endless opportunities for growth and connection.
And remember: the best kind of therapy often doesn’t feel like therapy at all. So get outside, get moving, and most importantly—have fun!
Wishing you a summer full of movement and memories,
Rachel Thibault PT, DPT
Physical Therapist