Motor Milestones for 2-Year-Olds

When movement gets faster, bolder, and more purposeful

Around age two, your toddler becomes a whirlwind of energy running, climbing, and exploring the world with growing confidence. You might notice them testing boundaries (and your patience!) as they begin using their body with more control and curiosity.

Here’s a look at the motor skills typically seen around this stage, including both gross and fine motor development.

Gross Motor Skills

Using the whole body to move, balance, and explore

Many 2-year-olds are able to:

Walk independently with good balance

Run with improved coordination (though still may trip)

Jump in place with both feet off the ground

Climb onto and off furniture or stairs (may still use hands)

Kick a ball forward

Throw a ball overhand

Squat to play and stand back up without falling

Pull toys while walking

Begin to walk up and down stairs with support (usually stepping with both feet on each stair)

These big-body movements build strength and confidence and often happen in the middle of play and exploration.

Fine Motor Skills

Using hands for play, feeding, dressing, and explorin

Around this age, children often:

Build towers of 4–6 blocks

Turn pages in a book one at a time

Scribble spontaneously, imitating lines and circles

Use a spoon and cup with minimal spilling

Begin to use a fork

Place large pieces into puzzles

Open and close containers or lids

Remove simple clothing like socks or hats

Imitate hand movements like clapping, waving, or finger games

These small but important skills support independence and early learning.

Gentle Reminder

Every child develops at their own pace but that pace still falls within an expected range. By age two, most children are not just walking, but also running, climbing, and experimenting with stairs and jumping.

If your child is significantly behind in key motor milestones for their age or you’re just unsure what’s typical it’s always okay to ask. Early support can make a big difference, and there’s no harm in checking in.

Here at PRIMES, we specialize in supporting children ages 0–6 with early motor development, and we’re here for you every step of the way.