Stomp and March Music Parade

A wooden spoon

A pot or plastic container to use as a drum

A phone or speaker for music

Hand your child a wooden spoon and a pot or plastic container. This is their parade drum. Demonstrate how to tap it in a steady beat.

Put on some upbeat marching music. "When the Saints Go Marching In," "Stars and Stripes Forever," or any song with a strong beat works well.

Start marching in place together. Lift those knees high — exaggerate the motion so your child can see and copy. Say "Left, right, left, right" as you march.

Once your child is marching, start moving forward. Pick a parade route through the house — living room, kitchen, hallway, and back.

As you march, tap your drum in rhythm with your steps. Your child will try to match the rhythm, even if imperfectly.

Mix it up: "Now let's STOMP!" Shift from light marching to heavy stomping. Feel the floor shake. Then back to marching.

Add commands: "March fast!" "March slow!" "March on tiptoes!" "March like a giant!" Each variation uses different muscles.

End the parade with a grand finale — a big drum roll, a final stomp, and a freeze in a silly pose.

The combination of marching, drumming, and following commands is multi-tasking that's genuinely challenging for a 2-3 year old. Don't expect them to do all three perfectly at once.

Lift your knees high and exaggerate. High-knee marching is great for hip flexors and balance, which are foundational for running and climbing.

If the pot drumming is too loud for your ears, use a plastic container with a towel inside for a quieter version.

Invite siblings, stuffed animals, or even the dog to join the parade. The bigger the parade, the more fun it feels.

This is a perfect activity for burning energy on rainy days when you can't get outside.