Ball Drop and Chase Game

A large piece of cardboard, cookie sheet, or plastic slide to use as a ramp

3-5 different balls in various sizes and textures

A couch or sturdy chair to prop the ramp against

Create a ramp by leaning a piece of sturdy cardboard or a cookie sheet against the couch at an angle. It should be steep enough for the ball to roll freely but not so steep that it launches off the end.

Gather your balls and set your toddler up at the bottom of the ramp, a few feet from where the ball will exit.

Hold a ball at the top of the ramp where your toddler can see it. Build anticipation: "Ready... set... GO!" Then let it go.

The ball rolls down and across the floor. Your toddler's job: chase it! Watch them toddle after it at full speed.

When they catch the ball, ask them to bring it back to you. The return trip doubles the exercise.

Try different balls each time. A bouncy ball goes unpredictably. A tennis ball rolls straight. A soft ball is easiest to grab. Each one teaches something different.

Let your toddler try placing the ball at the top of the ramp and releasing it themselves. Learning to let go at the right moment is a real skill.

If they enjoy it, add a box or basket at the end for them to try to "catch" the ball in.

The beauty of this game is in the repetition. Toddlers will happily chase balls for 20 minutes straight because the anticipation-chase-capture cycle is so satisfying.

Use a variety of balls to keep it interesting. A heavy ball rolls slowly, a light ball bounces — each one makes the chase different.

Secure your ramp so it doesn't slide. A piece of tape at the top and a rubber grip at the bottom keep it stable.

This activity naturally teaches your toddler to bring things back to you (retrieval), which is a surprisingly useful skill to practice.

Take this outside with a small plastic slide as your ramp. Grass adds a whole new challenge for chasing since balls slow down and change direction.