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Physical Activity for 3–5-year-old Children

By Nikki Prosch

Published June 13, 2022 at 2:00 PM CDT

Children love to be active and move their bodies! Did you know there are current recommendations for children aged 3-5? The 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans highlight recommendations for preschool-aged children to engage in physical activity throughout most of the day. Physical activity in this age group is important for the child’s growth and development. Parents and caregivers should facilitate physical activity in this age group via active play of all intensities (light, moderate, vigorous).

At least 3 hours per day should be spent in physical activity for children in this age group. Encourage active play and structured play over the course of a day through various activity types, including jumping, biking, throwing, dancing, skipping, organized games and sports, obstacle courses, and playing at the park or outside.

Source: 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans 2nd Edition: https://health.gov/sites/default/files/2019-09/Physical_Activity_Guidelines_2nd_edition.pdf#page=46

Watch @Health.gov’s Move Your Way video for more tips to help kids get active indoors: https://bit.ly/2OshIJO

Type of Physical Activity	Preschool-Aged Children
Moderate–intensity aerobic	Games such as tag or follow the leader Playing on a playground Tricycle or bicycle riding Walking, running, skipping, jumping, dancing Swimming Playing games that require catching, throwing, and kicking Gymnastics or tumbling
Vigorous-intensity aerobic	Games such as tag or follow the leader Playing on a playground Tricycle or bicycle riding Walking, running, skipping, jumping, dancing Swimming Playing games that require catching, throwing, and kicking Gymnastics or tumbling
Muscle-Strengthening	Games such as tug of war Climbing on playground equipment Gymnastics
Bone-Strengthening	Hopping, skipping, jumping Jumping rope • Running Gymnastics