6 Benefits of Jumping for Kids’ Health and Development
6 min read
Jumping is more than just a fun activity—it’s a powerful exercise for kids. The benefits of jumping support a child’s body and brain, encouraging them to move their bodies, regulate their energy, and build essential skills for growth and development. Whether it’s kids jumping on a trampoline, hopping on one foot or leaping into a pile of cushions, this movement supports their physical, emotional and sensory health in exciting ways.
Learn about six key benefits of jumping from an occupational therapist’s perspective. When done safely, it is such an important part of play for children of all abilities, especially those with sensory needs or developmental delays.
What Are the Benefits of Jumping?
1. Builds Strong Muscles and Bones
Jumping is a full-body workout that particularly strengthens leg, core and back muscles. Stronger muscles and bones promote improved balance, posture and coordination skills—which kids need for everything from walking to feeding themselves.
The motion also puts pressure on kids’ muscles and joints, providing proprioceptive input. This not only helps build bone density but the pressure input increases body awareness and sends calming signals throughout the body for better sensory regulation.
2. Improves Balance and Coordination
Every jump challenges a child to control their movements, adjust their body mid-air and land safely. It’s tricky for anyone, particularly someone who has a sensory processing disorder. When they jump, kids build balance, coordination and spatial awareness skills. These are essential for everyday tasks like walking in a straight line, climbing stairs and even sitting upright at a desk.
Kids who practice jumping often become more confident in their bodies and more graceful in their movements.
3. Supports Sensory Integration
Jumping is a powerful sensory activity. Children with sensory processing challenges frequently feel calmer and more focused after a jumping session. The up-and-down motion stimulates the vestibular system—which controls balance and movement—and provides deep pressure input to the joints and muscles through proprioception. These two sensory systems help kids understand where their body is in space and regulate how they respond to the world around them.
4. Encourages Self-Regulation
While it may seem counterintuitive, jumping can help with both overstimulation and low energy! The repetitive motion and rhythmic bouncing can calm a child’s nervous system or boost alertness, depending on their needs. It’s a simple and effective way to help children regulate emotions, attention and behavior.
Jumping is especially helpful for kids with ADHD, autism or sensory processing disorders, who may struggle with self-regulation.
5. Increases Confidence and Risk-Taking Skills
Mastering a new jump—or reaching new heights—can be a major confidence boost for kids! Whether it’s jumping off a low step to the ground or trying a trampoline for the first time, each leap helps children build courage and test their limits in a safe, playful way. This kind of risk-taking through movement is incredible for developing independence, resilience and self-esteem.
6. Makes Movement Fun and Engaging
As you may have seen or experienced yourself, jumping is joyful. It gets kids smiling, laughing and moving without the pressure of structured exercise. It’s a playful way to burn energy, stay active and get the physical movement kids need every day.
And with so many ways to jump—trampolines, hopper balls, jump ropes and crash pads—kids of all abilities can find a jumping activity they love.
Best Tools for Jumping
Although you don’t need additional equipment to jump with, there are a variety of tools that can make it more fun and increase the benefit gained. Try these jumping favorites with your child:
1. Bounce Board
Kids love hopping on this jump board for proprioceptive input, and parents love that the springs are covered in soft foam for extra safety! Easily store it away when you’re done playing.
2. Jungle Jumparoo
Get together with friends for a kangaroo jumping party. Hold onto the poles for support or try hanging on and swinging like a monkey.
3. Air-Lite® Ball Pit
Increase the proprioceptive input by leaping into a ball pit! You can fill it with balls or foam cubes to alter the sensation.
4. Foam Hurdles
Create different height hurdles for kids to jump over. Adjust the challenge for a range of abilities and to help develop self-confidence as they overcome the obstacle.
5. Sensory Pathway Decals
Encourage kids to follow directions as they hop, skip and jump across the fun decals on the floor.
6. Hopper Balls
Have a ball with your child as they hop their way across the room on the Hopper Ball. Take it outside for an engaging portion of an obstacle course or relay race.
7. Obstacle Course Tires
Arrange the tires in various formations for your child to jump from one to the next. This encourages kids to exercise their core muscles and raise their legs higher, so they don’t fall.
8. Stomp, Rock & Walk Board
Choose a small object to place on one end of the board and jump down on the other to see how high you can make the item fly!
From stronger bodies to sharper minds, the benefits of jumping for kids goes far beyond just fun. Whether it’s a bounce, hop, skip or leap, every jump helps them become more grounded, calm and confident. You can incorporate the tools and activities above to support your child’s sensory integration and self-regulation skills. Help your child soar, one jump at a time, with our OT-approved sensory jumping tools.
FAQs
What are the benefits of jumping for kids?
Jumping helps kids build muscle and strengthen their bones, improve balance and coordination, develop self-regulation skills, increase confidence and incorporate activity in a fun, positive way.
Is jumping good for your body?
Yes! Jumping raises your heart rate, increases bone density and increases oxygen flow, making it a great cardio and strengthening activity for both children and adults.
Why is jumping important for child development?
Jumping helps kids develop coordination, balance, spatial awareness and self-regulation. These are especially important for children with sensory processing needs, providing them with opportunities to further develop their skills.
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