Animal movements are one of the simplest ways to get kids moving, and they work at almost any age. The idea is straightforward: children move their bodies the way an animal would. They crawl, stomp, hop, slither, and swing their way through an activity that feels more like play than exercise. That combination is exactly why it works so well.
The Government of Canada recommends that children and youth aged 5 to 17 get at least 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity every day. Animal movements are an easy way to contribute to that goal, whether you are indoors on a rainy afternoon or outside in the backyard. They require no equipment, no preparation, and no special space.
Why animal movements are worth your time
Animal movements do a lot at once. They build physical strength and coordination, but they also give children a chance to use their imagination and follow instructions. That combination of body and brain engagement is part of what makes them so useful in early childhood settings.
When a child does a bear walk, they are strengthening their arms, legs, and core. When they hop like a bunny, they are building leg power and cardiovascular endurance. When they try to move like a crab, they are working on balance and upper body strength. Each animal asks something slightly different from the body, which means a varied session can cover a lot of ground without any child realizing they just did a full workout.
Beyond the physical side, animal movements support cognitive development too. Children have to concentrate, follow directions, and think about how to control their bodies. They develop spatial awareness and body awareness at the same time. In a group setting, animal movements also build social confidence. There is no wrong way to be a flamingo, which makes this kind of activity feel safe and fun for kids who may not feel sure of themselves in more structured games.
Animal walks to try with kids
The following movements are a good starting point. Each one targets different muscle groups and offers a different kind of physical challenge. Children will naturally put their own spin on each one, and that is a good thing.
Bear walk
The bear walk starts from a standing position. Children bend their knees slightly and walk forward on both their hands and feet, keeping their back roughly parallel to the ground. This one works the arms, legs, shoulders, and core all at once. It is more demanding than it looks, which makes it satisfying for kids to practice.
Crab walk
For the crab walk, children sit on the floor with their feet flat and their hands behind them, fingers pointing backward. They lift their hips and move sideways using their hands and feet. This movement targets the arms, shoulders, chest, and stomach. It tends to get a lot of laughs, which is never a bad thing.
Turtle crawl
The turtle crawl is slow and deliberate. Children start on all fours and move by extending one arm and the opposite leg forward at the same time. This cross-body coordination is genuinely good for brain development, and it strengthens the core, arms, and legs in the process.
Bunny hop
Children stand with feet together and jump forward with both feet at the same time, swinging their arms for balance. The bunny hop builds leg strength, coordination, and gets the heart rate up. It is a natural fit for outdoor activities where there is more room to move.
Snake slither
The snake slither starts lying face down on the floor with arms extended forward. Children lift their upper body and wiggle forward in a side-to-side motion. This one works the back muscles and promotes spinal flexibility. When you ask children to find their own way to move like a snake, the results are always creative.
Elephant trunk swings
Children stand with feet shoulder-width apart and swing both arms together, forward and back, as if swinging a long trunk. This movement improves arm mobility and shoulder coordination. It is a good one to use as a transition or warm-up.
Monkey hangs
If you have access to monkey bars at a playground, monkey hangs are worth including. Children grip the bar with palms facing away and hang, letting the weight of their body stretch the arms and shoulders. This builds upper body strength and grip. Even a few seconds of hanging is beneficial for young children.
Polar bear walk
The polar bear walk is similar to the bear walk but slower and more deliberate. Children take slow steps forward, shifting their weight from side to side with each step. This targets the legs and core while improving balance. The slow pace makes it a good contrast to more energetic movements like the bunny hop.
More animal movements to suggest
Once children get comfortable with the basic animal walks, you can introduce a wider variety. I always encourage kids to choose their own animal first. When they need a prompt, I think about which types of movement they have not done yet, and suggest an animal that fills that gap.
Good options to add include a frog jump, a penguin or duck waddle, a gorilla stomp, a flamingo stand, a kangaroo hop, a cheetah run, a lion pounce, a giraffe stretch, a butterfly flutter, a horse gallop, a dolphin swim, a crocodile crawl, and an octopus wiggle. Each child will interpret these differently, and that variety is exactly the point. The goal is not perfect technique. The goal is joyful movement.
Animal races are a favorite way to pull the group together. Everyone picks the same animal, you set two lines on the ground, and children move from one line to the other as that animal. It is simple, it works for mixed ages, and it gives kids a clear structure without turning it into a high-pressure competition.
Keeping it safe and effective
Animal movements are low-risk, but a few basic habits make the activity go more smoothly. Start with a short warm-up so muscles and joints are ready to move. Choose movements that match your child’s age and current ability level. Watch younger children closely to make sure they are not moving on a surface with obstacles nearby. On warm days outside, bring water and remind kids to drink before and after the activity.
For children who have physical limitations or exceptional needs, most of these movements can be adapted. The key is to focus on what the child can do and find an animal movement that fits their abilities rather than asking them to fit the movement.
Using animal movements in early childhood education
Animal movements have a natural place in early childhood classrooms and outdoor learning time. They blend physical activity with imaginative play, which supports the whole child rather than just their fitness level. Teachers and caregivers who use animal movements regularly often find that children ask for them by name, which says a lot about how much kids enjoy this kind of activity.
If you are looking for more structured outdoor learning ideas, the outdoor learning section here on the site has plenty of ideas that pair well with animal movements. The 5 senses nature walk is a favorite, and it can easily include a stretch of animal movement along the way.
Storytelling is another good way to frame animal movements for younger children. You might narrate a walk through the jungle where children encounter different animals and have to move like each one. This kind of imaginative framing keeps attention and adds meaning to the physical activity.
Tips for making this activity work at home
You do not need a classroom or a gym to make animal movements happen. A living room with the furniture pushed back, a backyard, or a local park all work fine. A few things that tend to make the activity more successful: let your child choose the first animal, keep the energy playful rather than instructional, and do the movements yourself. Children are much more willing to try something new when they see an adult doing it too.
Props and costumes can add to the fun if you have them. Animal ears, a simple tail, or even a picture of the animal can help younger children connect the movement to the idea. For older kids, a challenge format works well, such as asking them to move across the room using three different animals without stopping.
If your child is hesitant to start, a short video showing the movements can help. Seeing a visual example gives kids a reference point and often removes the uncertainty that comes with something unfamiliar.
Common questions about animal movements
Do animal movements really help with coordination?
Yes. Moving like an animal requires children to control their body in ways that everyday walking and running do not. The cross-body patterns in movements like the turtle crawl are especially useful for building coordination and spatial awareness.
What age is best for animal movements?
Animal movements work across a wide age range. Toddlers can do simplified versions like stomping like an elephant or jumping like a frog. School-age children can handle more complex movements and enjoy the challenge of making them accurate or fast. The activity scales naturally as children grow.
Can animal movements replace other physical activity?
They can be part of a well-rounded physical activity routine, but not necessarily a replacement for everything. What they do well is make movement enjoyable and accessible. When kids genuinely want to do an activity, they do it more often, which is ultimately the most important thing.
If you are looking for more ways to get kids moving and learning at the same time, check out the science activities for preschoolers or the ideas in summer activities for toddlers. Both pair well with active outdoor time and give children a full afternoon of purposeful play.
