TinyStepper
Child mid-throw aiming a colourful ball at a laundry basket in the garden

Pillow Jumping Course

Scatter pillows across the floor and jump from one to the next.

Activity details

18m–4y10 minshighindoorNo prepCushionsPillows

Instructions

Get ready
  • Gather all the pillows and cushions in the house
  • Scatter them across the floor with small gaps between
  1. Gather all the pillows and cushions in the house
  2. Scatter them across the floor with small gaps between
  3. Explain the goal: jump from pillow to pillow without touching the floor
  4. Demonstrate a jump and cheer when you land
  5. Hold their hand for balance if they need support
  6. Gradually increase the distance between pillows
  7. Add challenges: 'Can you jump backwards? Can you spin and jump?'
  8. Let them rearrange the course to keep it interesting

Parent tip

Start before you overthink it. No-prep activities work best when you begin while the moment is still recoverable.

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.

Jumping between pillows develops bilateral coordination needed for hopping, skipping, and running with control. Each leap requires judging distance, planning movement, and sticking the landing — executive function skills wrapped in physical play. The soft surface makes this low-risk, and rearranging the course keeps the challenge fresh and attention sustained.

Why it helps

Jumping between targets develops bilateral coordination needed for hopping, skipping, and running with control. Each leap requires judging distance and planning movement, exercising executive function skills. The soft surface makes this low-risk, high-reward physical play. The WHO recommends at least 180 minutes of varied physical activity daily for under-fives — and energetic play like this is the most enjoyable way to build that habit.

Variations

  • Add a 'start' and 'finish' line with masking tape for a race format.
  • Call out which colour pillow to jump to next for a colour recognition challenge.
  • Play 'hot lava' where the floor is lava and only pillows are safe.

Safety tips

  • Place pillows on carpet or a non-slip surface to prevent sliding.
  • Keep the jumps short for younger toddlers to avoid falls.
  • Clear the area of hard furniture edges in case of missed landings.

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