Parent tip
Start before you overthink it. No-prep activities work best when you begin while the moment is still recoverable.
Chase and Catch Game
A gentle chase and catch game — parent and toddler take turns pursuing each other, indoors or outdoors.
Activity details
Instructions
- Clear a safe space for running — indoors or outside on grass
- Say ‘I’m going to get you!’ with a playful voice
- Chase your child slowly — let them stay just ahead
- Scoop them up with a cuddle when you ‘catch’ them
- Now say: ‘Your turn! Can you catch me?’
- Let them chase you — move slowly so they succeed
- Celebrate when they catch you: ‘You got me!’
- Rest between rounds — this is tiring for little legs
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.
The simplest game in the world, and one of the most effective for early walkers: you chase your toddler slowly, then they chase you. The thrill of being chased — and the empowerment of chasing a grown-up — is exactly the kind of high-energy social play that burns through restless energy and strengthens the parent-child bond. For new walkers, the motivation to move quickly is often the spark that builds walking confidence and speed.
Why it helps
NHS physical activity guidelines for under-5s recommend at least 180 minutes of activity a day, with chasing games identified as one of the best ways for toddlers to get moving. Chasing games build gross motor speed and agility while practising quick direction changes that develop balance. The anticipation of being caught activates the same approach-and-retreat neural circuits as peek-a-boo, which is fundamental to social development and emotional regulation.
Variations
- Add a stuffed animal as a ‘chaseable’ character: ‘The teddy is coming to get you!’
- Chase on hands and knees for younger toddlers still building walking confidence.
- Play outside on soft grass where tumbles are cushioned.
Safety tips
- Clear the area of sharp furniture corners and tripping hazards before playing.
- Move slowly enough that your child feels thrilled, not frightened.
- Play on soft surfaces where tumbles won’t hurt.
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