Gross Motor Valentines Activities for Parties or Homeschool Gym Days

We are members of a couple different local homeschool groups. One of our groups meets monthly for “gym day” which is basically just a time when the children can run off some energy with their peers in a safe, enclosed area. Of course free play is encouraged on gym days but we also supply activities to entertain the children. Because gym days are a monthly event, we try to keep supplies and prep time to a minimum. This month was February so we planned a Valentines theme to our activities.

Activity #1: Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, Shuffleboard

Using Dollar Tree brooms, duct tape, and heart shaped containers, this was a fun game.

I will admit that I made the mistake of using a cheap table cloth to make the game board, and as a result it ripped quite a bit, needing repeated repair. I suggest that others make use of a sturdy tarp or cloth sheet. Or, if the venue allows it, create the game board directly on the floor with tape.

Activity #2: Key To My Heart, Ring Toss

Some heart shaped bracelets and paper keys (which can be found in the free printable at the bottom of this post) are the key components of this simple game.

Activity #3: Capturing Hearts

While this game was meant to be a way for the children to use their feet, many of them ignored the intent and simply used their hands to scoop the heart shaped gems up. In any case there was some great motor skilled practiced. The gems are translucent so they’ll also be great fun on a light table.

Activity #4: Love Bug Hunt

For this activity, I utilized my children’s ball pit, which we’ve enjoyed for 5 years now and highly recommend. However, if you don’t have a ball pit handy, you could also use a paddling pool or large plastic bin. We filled the pit with silk rose petals but you could also use shredded paper or plastic balls. Whatever you happen to have on hand or would be most practical for you to purchase. Most of these items have multiple uses in sensory play.

The love bugs and Cupid’s arrows for the game can be found in our free printable pack at the bottom of this post.

Activity #5: Help Cupid Fly

Like hacky sack with balloons, this seemed to be a favorite for children of all ages at our gym day. Again, the Cupids for this activity can be found in our free printable pack at the bottom of this post.