If you’re constantly on the lookout for simple yet effective ways to get your little ones moving and grooving, you’ll love this: Animal Movement Activities Printable. It’s the perfect blend of fun and physical development that you can easily set up at home.
And the best part? It’s totally free and you can download the printable pack at the end of this blog post, making set up a breeze.
Imagine a jar filled with an array of animal antics that your child can imitate. From “hopping like a kangaroo” to “slinking like a cat,” this game is designed to boost your kids’ gross motor skills while they have a blast.
It’s like a mini obstacle course of animal movements that will have your young children giggling and wiggling in no time.
So why does this activity rock for young kids? Movement activities are a cornerstone of a child’s development. Not only do they support physical growth, but they also enhance social skills, body awareness, and problem-solving abilities.
For kids who aren’t quite ready for a balance bike or jump rope, this game is a great way to introduce them to active play, and on days when rainy weather or the cold is keeping everyone indoors then this is a great solution for a fun game to keep everyone busy and active. Outdoor play isn’t the only way to keep active!
How to Make Your Own Animal Movement Jar
Grab an old mason jar and print out the free printable I’ve provided. Cut up the slips, fold them, and pop them into the jar. It’s that simple!
There are two pages full of different movements in the printable PDF file, but if you have more movement ideas just write them on paper and add them into the jar, to mix things up.
List of Animal Movements for Children
Discover a menagerie of motion with our comprehensive list of animal movements for children. Perfect for energizing young bodies and minds, these playful actions will have your kids hopping, slithering, and pouncing their way through the animal kingdom, all while enhancing their physical coordination and agility.
- Hiss like a snake
- Gallop like a horse
- Hoot like an owl
- Flutter like a ladybug
- Squeak like a mouse
- Scuttle like a hermit crab
- Prance like a reindeer
- Paddle like a platypus
- Glide like a swan
- Flap your wings like a bird
- Hop like a kangaroo
- Pounce like a tiger
- Sway like a jellyfish
- Slink like a cat
- Gallop like a unicorn
- Wiggle like an octopus
- Wriggle like a worm
- Swoop like an eagle
- Swing your trunk like an elephant
- Strut like a peacock
- Bounce like a rabbit
- March like an ant
- Roll like a panda
- Flap like a seagull
- Tiptoe like a meerkat
- Flap your wings like a bird
- Stomp like an elephant
- Glide like a bat
- Skitter like a spider
- Flutter like a hummingbird
Kids will have great fun coming up with even more movements to add to the jar, too!
Different Ways to Play with the Animal Movement Activities Printable
These movement activities are a perfect opportunity for your child to work on their gross motor skills. Crawling, jumping, and balancing as different animals are all fun activities that help build the large muscles of the body.
You can even incorporate these gross motor activities into your daily routine as movement breaks or brain breaks during learning, and so on.
- Classic Game: Kids take turns pulling out a slip and performing the movement. It’s a fun way to teach them about different animals.
- Guessing Game: One child performs the action, and the others guess the animal. It’s a good way to mix in some cognitive development.
- Group Fun: Everyone does the action together—great for social skills and a sense of community.
- Movement Breaks: A quick way to break up the school day or free play.
- Simon Says: Add an animal movement as part of this classic game.
- Dance Party: Use the movements as dance moves to some great music. What animal does each piece of music make you think of? This is great played with classical music
- Combine with sounds: Try making different sounds as you move, to match with each animal.
This fun movement activity is suitable for kids of different ages. Tailor the game for everyone from toddlers to young adults.
Younger kids can enjoy simple movements, while older kids can turn it into a more complex game, adding elements like painter’s tape to create stepping stones or a straight line to walk on.
As they play, kids aren’t just having so much fun with these movement games; they’re also working on their hand-eye coordination, balance, and fine motor skills.
Download Animal Movement Activities Printable PDF
Designed to unleash your child’s inner wildling, this easy-to-use resource is your ticket to a world of giggles and wiggles.
Cut them out, pop them into a jar, and let the games begin! Whether it’s a rainy day or every day, watch your kids leap, prowl, and flutter their way to improved motor skills and endless fun.
The PDF comes with the movement cards in full color, or in black and white if you prefer to save on ink, or maybe the kids would like to color them in themselves.
Terms of use: These creative movement activities printables are free for personal use and free for classroom use or educational use.
This Animal Movement Activity is a free resource that offers hours of physical activity. It’s a creative movement activity that’s easy to set up and endlessly adaptable. So, let your child run wild with their imagination as they flap, stomp, and prance their way through our printable activities. Don’t wait, make your very own movement jar today and watch as your living room transforms into the jolliest jungle gym!
Remember, the best way to support your child’s growth is to give them plenty of movement opportunities.
This game is a starting point for endless creative expression and active play. Have a wonderful time watching your child explore the animal kingdom through play, and join in on the fun—because why should kids have all the fun, right?
More Movement Activities for Children
There’s a whole world of active play beyond our collection of movement activities for kids! From indoor adventures that transform your home into a playground, to outdoor escapades that encourage exploration and physical fitness, there is something for every young explorer.
Stretch their imagination as well as their legs with games that promote growth, learning, and the joy of being in motion. Let’s keep those little feet moving!
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Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.