30 Movement and Dance Activities For Preschoolers

Movement and dance are wonderful ways to support preschoolers' health and well-being while making learning fun. The following provides 30 Movement and Dance Activities For Preschoolers.

Creative Movement – Encourage free-form dancing where children explore different movements without strict rules. This helps with self-expression and confidence.
Storytelling Through Dance – Create simple narratives that children act out through movement, enhancing imagination and emotional expression.
Rhythm and Tempo Games – Introduce different beats and tempos through music, helping preschoolers develop coordination and timing.
Balance and Coordination Exercises – Simple dance steps that focus on balance and coordination contribute to overall physical development.
Group Dance Activities – Dancing together fosters cooperation, social interaction, and respect for personal space.
Sensorimotor Synchronization – Moving to a rhythmic beat supports cognitive development and even language skills.
Dance Movement Therapy (DMT)—A structured approach that integrates emotional, cognitive, and physical aspects of wellbeing.
Simon Says – A classic game that helps children follow instructions while moving their bodies.
Freeze Dance – Play music and let them dance freely, then pause the music and have them freeze in place.
Animal Walks – Encourage kids to move like different animals—hop like a frog, crawl like a bear, or waddle like a penguin.
Obstacle Course – Set up a simple course with tunnels, cones, and balance beams to improve coordination.
Balloon Volleyball – Keep a balloon in the air by tapping it back and forth, enhancing hand-eye coordination.
Yoga for Kids – Introduce simple poses like downward dog or tree pose to promote flexibility and relaxation.
Hopscotch – A great way to develop balance and coordination while having fun.
Rolling Around – Pretend to be logs and roll across the floor or grass, strengthening core muscles.
Treasure Hunt – Hide objects around the room and have kids move around to find them.
Tape Shape Fun – Place different shapes on the floor using tape and have kids jump or move between them.
Action Songs – Songs like Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes or If You're Happy and You Know It encourage movement while reinforcing body awareness.
Musical Statues – Similar to freeze dance, but children must strike a pose when the music stops.
Parachute Dance – Use a parachute or large fabric and have kids lift, shake, and move it to the beat of the music.
Drum Circle – Provide simple percussion instruments and let kids create rhythms while moving to the beat.
Ribbon Dancing – Give children ribbons or scarves to wave and twirl while dancing.
Animal Dance Party – Play music and call out different animals for kids to imitate through movement.
Musical Chairs with Movement – Instead of sitting, kids must perform a movement (jump, spin, clap) when the music stops.
Dance Storytelling – Play instrumental music and have kids act out a story through movement.
Marching Band Fun – Let kids march, stomp, and clap to the rhythm of a song.
Follow the (Musical) Leader – Play a song and have one child lead the group in movements while others follow. Switch leaders every few minutes.
Rhythm Sticks – Give children rhythm sticks or wooden spoons to tap along with the beat of a song, improving coordination and musical awareness.
The Hokey Pokey – A classic interactive song that teaches body awareness and encourages movement.
Draw What You Hear – Play different types of music and have children move their bodies while drawing what they feel, combining creativity with movement.