Move & balance

Roll and collect

Roll a large soft ball gently and move to collect it.

10 minutes

What you'll need

One-piece soft ball labelled suitable for children under 3 · Clear floor space

Before you start

Can move independently in their usual way

Best fit: either · active energy · medium caregiver effort · low mess

How to play

  1. Roll the ball a short distance across the floor.
  2. Watch its path together.
  3. Collect it and take turns rolling.
Make it easier

Roll it between seated caregiver and child at close range.

Standard

Roll a large soft ball gently and move to collect it.

Extend it

Choose one broad floor marker for the ball to reach.

What you might notice

Visual tracking, timing and changes of direction.

Keep it safe

Use no scarf, ribbon, cord, loop or loose fabric. Inspect the under-3 one-piece ball, roll only on a clear dry level floor, stay within arm's reach, stop throwing or mouthing, and store the ball afterward.

Why it may be useful

This adds a short burst of active play with room to practise balance, coordination and whole-body movement.

practice guidance

General movement guidance for healthy children; adapt for individual abilities and environments.

Truelove et al. (2017) — Defining and Measuring Active Play Among Young Children: A Systematic Review

Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (2026) — Recommendations for infants, toddlers and preschoolers (birth to 5 years)

Raising Children Network (2025) — Toddler play: ideas, games and activities

More moments like this

Find an idea that fits right now.

Little Now matches practical play ideas to your time, setup and your child’s current interests—without an account, advertising or tracking.

The iPhone and iPad app is awaiting App Store approval.

How it works
Browse all play ideas