TinyStepper
Child balancing along a tape line on wooden floor with arms stretched wide

Beanbag Target Toss

Throw beanbags at floor targets or into buckets from different distances.

Activity details

18m–4y10 minshighbothBasket or BinBean BagsMasking Tape

Instructions

Get ready
  • Mark 3-4 target zones on the floor with masking tape circles or place baskets at different distances
  • Assign points to each target — closest is 1, furthest is 3
  1. Mark 3-4 target zones on the floor with masking tape circles or place baskets at different distances
  2. Assign points to each target — closest is 1, furthest is 3
  3. Mark a throwing line with tape about one metre from the nearest target
  4. Give your toddler 3-4 beanbags and demonstrate an underarm throw
  5. Let them throw all their beanbags, then count the score together
  6. Run to collect the beanbags — the retrieval is half the exercise
  7. Move the throwing line back a step each round as accuracy improves
  8. Celebrate personal bests: 'That is your highest score ever!'

Parent tip

Set out basket or bin and bean bags before inviting your toddler in so the first minute feels smooth.

Child smiling on a cushion after active play with a ball and scattered cushions nearby

What success looks like

Flushed cheeks, big smiles, and a calmer child afterwards. If they want to do it again, you’ve found a winner.

Lay out targets on the floor using tape, hoops, or baskets at different distances, and let your toddler throw beanbags to hit them. Start close for easy wins, then move the throwing line back as their aim improves. The combination of throwing, retrieving, and adjusting aim keeps energy levels high and attention locked in.

Why it helps

NHS physical activity guidelines for under-5s recommend at least 180 minutes of activity a day, with running and chasing games identified as some of the best ways for toddlers to get moving. Throwing at a target develops hand-eye coordination, depth perception, and the ability to adjust force — all components of motor planning that transfer to writing, catching, and tool use. Running to retrieve the beanbags between rounds adds a cardiovascular element, while keeping score introduces early numeracy concepts like counting and comparison.

Variations

  • Use different throwing styles each round — overarm, underarm, between the legs, backwards over the head.
  • Number the targets and call out which one to aim for before each throw.
  • Replace beanbags with rolled-up socks for a zero-cost alternative.

Safety tips

  • Use soft beanbags only — avoid hard or heavy objects that could injure on impact.
  • Position targets away from windows, screens, and fragile objects.
  • Ensure younger siblings are not in the throwing zone during play.

Want to try another?

Climb and Slide Obstacle Course

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