Core Strength Counts! Fun Core Stabilization Activities for Kid

At Abil-OT Kids Therapy, we talk a lot about the core — and no, we don’t mean six-pack abs! In the world of pediatric therapy, the “core” refers to the group of muscles in the belly, back, hips, and pelvis that help stabilize the body.

These muscles are the foundation for just about everything kids do — from sitting upright at school to climbing the playground, balancing on one foot, and even using their hands effectively for writing or eating.

If your child has a weak core, you might notice:

• Slouching or leaning while sitting

• Trouble staying seated for long periods

• Difficulty with balance or coordination

• Frequent falls or clumsiness

• Fatigue during physical activity

The good news? There are tons of fun, kid-friendly activities that can help build core strength and stability — and many can be done right at home!

Why Core Strength Matters for Kids

Strong core muscles help children:

• Maintain good posture for learning and attention

• Improve balance and coordination

• Support fine motor skills by creating a stable base for the arms and hands

• Gain confidence in movement, which supports active play and social engagement

Let’s look at some easy and playful ways to build those all-important core muscles.

Core Stabilization Activities for Kids

1. Animal Walks

• Try bear crawls, crab walks, or frog jumps.

• These fun, full-body movements activate the core, arms, and legs all at once.

• Make it a race or set up a mini obstacle course!

2. Wheelbarrow Walks

• Hold your child’s ankles or knees while they walk forward on their hands.

• Start with short distances and build up as they get stronger.

3. Wobble Sitting

• Have your child sit on a therapy ball, wiggle cushion, or even a rolled-up towel.

• While watching a show or playing a game, this builds strength just by staying upright!

4. Yoga Poses for Kids

• Try poses like plank, boat, superman, or bridge.

• These are fun, simple, and great for static core strengthening.

5. Couch Cushion Obstacle Course

• Crawling, climbing, rolling, and balancing on pillows and cushions challenges the core in all directions.

• Bonus: It’s a great rainy day energy burner!

6. Balance Games

• Stand on one foot, walk along a line of tape, or use a balance beam.

• Add a challenge by tossing a ball or turning in a circle while balancing.

7. Tummy Time (Even for Older Kids!)

• Lying on the stomach to color, play with toys, or do puzzles strengthens core and back muscles.

• Great for building endurance without the child even noticing!

Tips for Parents

• Keep it fun and playful — kids build strength best through movement and laughter.

• Start with short bursts (2–5 minutes) and gradually increase as your child gains stamina.

• Focus on quality of movement — slow and steady wins the core strength race!

• Celebrate small wins — holding a pose for just a few more seconds is a big deal.

When to Reach Out

If your child avoids physical play, tires easily, slouches constantly, or struggles with balance and coordination, they may benefit from working with a pediatric occupational or physical therapist.

At Abil-OT Kids Therapy, we assess your child’s core strength and build a customized program through fun, functional activities — always rooted in play!

Stronger core = stronger confidence.
Let’s build both — one movement at a time. Contact us to schedule an evaluation or ask about our therapy sessions focused on gross motor development and core strengthening.