Best for this moment
when your toddler needs to move and burn energy, especially when you need something flexible indoors or outdoors.
Chase and Catch
At a glance: A gentle chasing game where parent and toddler take turns pursuing each other. A 5-minute, high-energy both activity for ages 12m–2y. No prep needed.
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.
Parent tip
Start before you overthink it. No-prep activities work best when you begin while the moment is still recoverable.
What success looks like
A good outcome is a few minutes of engaged play, some back-and-forth with you, and a small sign of progress in emotional regulation.
More help for this situation
Meltdowns and tantrums
Meltdown
Start with calm regulation, then move to a simple activity that helps the moment settle.
Read the meltdown guideInstructions
- 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
Why it helps
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.
When to pause and seek extra support
Stop if your child becomes distressed, unsafe, or consistently frustrated by the activity. If play, behaviour, or development worries keep showing up across settings, check in with a qualified professional.
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