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Motor Milestones for 3-Year-Olds

Movement becomes more coordinated and play gets more adventurous

Around age three, your child’s world expands faster feet, stronger legs, and growing confidence at the playground. This is when climbing, jumping, and even early attempts at pedaling or balancing come into play. You might also notice more control in how they use their hands, especially during play, dressing, and feeding.

Below is an overview of typical motor development for this age including both gross and fine motor milestones.

Motor Milestones for 2-Year-Olds

Gross Motor Skills

Moving, balancing, and using the body in more complex ways

By age three, many children are able to:

  • Run easily without frequent falls

 

  • Jump forward with both feet

 

  • Climb stairs using alternating feet (going up)

 

  • Ride a tricycle or other ride-on toy

 

  • Kick a ball with better aim

 

  • Throw a ball overhand and begin catching with their arms

 

  • Balance on one foot for a few seconds

 

  • Walk backwards

 

  • Climb playground structures more independently

These skills reflect growing core strength, balance, and body awareness all through active play.

Fine Motor Skills

Using hands and fingers with growing control

Your 3-year-old may now:

  • Feed themselves well with a spoon, and begin to master a fork

 

  • Turn door knobs

 

  • String large beads

 

  • Complete simple puzzles (3–6 pieces)

 

  • Hold a crayon or pencil with fingers (may still use a fisted grip)

 

  • Stack 6–9 blocks

 

  • Draw simple shapes like vertical and horizontal lines or circles

 

  • Use child-safe scissors to make snips

 

  • Start dressing and undressing with less help

These abilities support not only independence, but also early pre-writing and self-care skills.

Gentle Reminder

While children develop at their own pace, motor development still follows a general timeline. For example, by age three, most children are running with control, climbing, jumping, and starting to use their hands for more detailed tasks like drawing and dressing.

 

If your child is struggling with multiple milestones or seems far behind what’s typical for their age, early support can make a big difference. You don’t have to wait or wonder we’re here to help.

 

Here at PRIMES, we specialize in early childhood development and can guide you with warmth and expertise.

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