Today we’re featuring some of the best toys for balance! Improving balance can be tons of fun with these awesome products!
Balance is important for so many things kids have to do. Some of them obvious, like walking across a balance beam, and some not so obvious, like maintaining upright posture in a classroom chair.
Balance is directly related to core strength – the stronger the core muscles are, the easier it is to obtain and maintain balance – and it is necessary for the progression of many other developmental skills – think of a baby moving from their tummy to sitting then from sitting to standing, etc.
Our friends at FlagHouse have some awesome toys that make practicing balance fun and easy! Here are some of our favorites!
Spooner Board
We have talked about this little gem before. Is it a skateboard without wheels, a snowboard without snow, or a surfboard without water? All of the above! You can use this toy to work on balance, core and leg strength, coordination and overall gross motor development. It is virtually indestructible!
My kids spin each other on it, run and slide on it, and have races across the yard by trying to “walk” it (shifting their weight side to side to move forward). It can be used inside, outside, at the beach, in the snow or in the grass. SO.MUCH.FUN! Spooner Board Canadian link
Scooters
Ride-on toys like scooters are a great way for kids to get a feel for their balance and explore how to balance their bodies while moving. Scooters like the ones from Micro Kickboard are the perfect way for kids to build their confidence before learning to ride a bike.
Balance Hemispheres
This set of 6 colorful, sand-filled domes are great for balance practice for both kids and adults! Stand with each foot on one and try squatting down to pick a ball up from the floor. Increase the challenge by then throwing the ball to a target while still balancing on the hemispheres.
Try our garden themed Stepping Stones Activity and see if you can cross the garden without falling in the mud! There are endless possibilities for fun with these! Balance Hemispheres Canadian link
Wobble Deck
This toy is amazing for targeting a whole slew of skills at once. The electronic board calls out numbers, colors, and sounds and the player has to shift his weight to touch the corresponding part of the board to the ground.
With different settings to accommodate ability level and to target different skills (speed, memory, free play), the Wobble Deck is an awesome balance workout that also packs a cognitive punch! Wobble Deck Canadian link
Balance Cushion
If there is a most requested item by teachers in our school based practice, this might be it! Balance cushions are great for keeping fidgety kids in their seats while improving their concentration by providing sensory input.
But that’s not all you can do with this little wonder. Whether it’s used in sitting or in standing, this cushion creates a less stable surface, which means that the body has to make continuous small movements to maintain and correct balance. These movements use and strengthen the deep core muscles which provide postural support and stability to the body, therefore, increasing balance! Balance Cushion Canadian link
What are your favorite toys for balance? Do you have any of the ones described above? If so, how do your kids use them? Share in the comments below!
Check out some of our favorite balance activities for kids here!
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