2 year Old Gross Motor
As your toddler turns two, they really start to develop their movement skills and become quite proficient in their climbing, running and going up and down stairs. This is an exciting stage for gross motor development—those big movements that use the large muscles in their legs, arms, and abdominals. From stumbling steps to surprising agility, 2-year-olds are all about movement.
Let’s break down what gross motor skills typically look like at this age, what’s considered “normal,” and how you can support your child’s physical development—without needing to sign them up for a toddler Olympics.
Every child develops at their own pace, but here are some gross motor skills many 2-year-olds begin to show:
Walking and running confidently
By now, your child is probably walking without help and starting to run (though still unsteady and often face-first into furniture). Their running may initially be more of a gallop, however as their balance develops and their step length increases they’ll start to move towards more of a typical run.Kicking a ball
They may not score a goal yet, but kicking a ball forward is a big win at this age! Kicking is a great way to develop single leg balancing, and also encourages children to visually track the ball as it approaches.Jumping with both feet
Most 2-year-olds are starting to leave the ground—literally. Jumping is a tricky skill that develops over time, often starting with little bunny hops or taking off and landing with a split foot position.Climbing furniture or playground equipment
Your toddler might be turning your couch into their personal mountain. While it can be nerve-wracking, climbing can help to develop strength in the lower and upper limbs and support development of left and right coordination of the left and right side of the body.Going up and down stairs (with help)
At this stage, toddlers usually hold a hand or railing to go up stairs one step at a time. Going down takes more time and often looks like a slow-motion squat.Throwing a ball overhead
They may not have aim yet, but they’re starting to understand how to throw with purpose.
How You Can Support Their Gross Motor Development
Here’s the fun part—you don’t need fancy equipment or structured classes. Toddlers learn best through play and exploration.
1. Give them space to move
A safe, open space (indoors or outdoors) is the best “playground” for gross motor practice. Parks, backyards, or even clear living room floors work well. We notice that children who can access varied environments and terrains are able to develop their gross motor skills well.
2. Encourage climbing (safely!)
Use soft play structures, low furniture, or supervised playground visits. Climbing boosts muscle strength and coordination.
3. Provide push and pull toys
Items like toddler shopping carts, wagons, or toy lawn mowers encourage children to walk forwards and backwards, squat to pick up toys and navigate around obstacles.
4. Practice ball skills
Roll, throw, or gently kick balls back and forth. This helps build hand-eye coordination and control, visually tracking skills and supports development of balance when children are standing on one leg.
When to reach out for support:
All toddlers develop at their own pace, but if you notice any of the following, it might be worth a check in
The official ‘Red Flag’ for when to see a physiotherapist is if your child is not walking by 18 months. That said, we encourage children to get an assessment if they plateau in movement and aren’t making continual progress in their gross motor skills. This might mean reaching out for help if your child is 13 months and not yet pulling to stand, or 15 months if your child isn’t standing without holding onto furniture.
Frequently falling or appearing very uncoordinated
Difficulty using both sides of the body equally
Gross motor development is about practice, patience, and lots of play. Every tumble, jump, and run is a step toward greater confidence and independence. Early intervention can make a big difference to supporting children to develop their gross motor skills, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!
