Parent tip
Start before you overthink it. No-prep activities work best when you begin while the moment is still recoverable.
Wheelbarrow Walking
The classic wheelbarrow walk exercise — your child walks on their hands while you hold their legs.
Activity details
Instructions
- Find a soft grassy area — bare hands on grass is more comfortable than hard ground
- Have your toddler place their hands flat on the ground
- Gently lift their legs by the thighs so they are in a push-up position
- Encourage them to walk forwards on their hands: 'Go, go, go!'
- Start with just 3-4 steps and build up as arm strength increases
- Try walking sideways, in a circle, or towards a target
- Swap roles if you are brave — let them try holding your ankles with support
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.
Hold your toddler or preschooler's legs at the thighs or ankles while they walk forwards on their hands — the classic wheelbarrow walk. It looks simple but demands enormous upper-body strength and coordination from little arms. A brilliant outdoor exercise for burning energy. Start with very short distances and build up as they grow stronger and more confident.
Why it helps
The EYFS framework highlights that physical play develops children's core strength, stability, balance and spatial awareness — the foundation for confident, controlled movement. Wheelbarrow walking builds exceptional upper-body and core strength — the shoulders, arms, and wrists bear the child's full weight, developing the stability needed for fine motor tasks like writing. Weight-bearing through open palms also provides intense proprioceptive input to the hands, which occupational therapists frequently recommend for children who seek sensory input or struggle with hand strength.
Variations
- Set up a race course with shoes or cones to wheelbarrow around.
- Try 'wheelbarrow football' — push a ball along the ground with their head while walking.
- Time each attempt and try to beat the previous record — great for building perseverance.
Safety tips
- Hold younger children at the thighs, not ankles, to reduce strain on the lower back.
- Use soft grass or a mat — avoid hard or rough surfaces that could graze palms.
- Keep distances very short at first and stop immediately if the child shows signs of strain or discomfort.
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