8mo–20mo12 minFree playOutdoorActive play
Tunnel, Slope & Step Adventure
A short home obstacle course using tunnels, gentle slopes, and low steps to challenge your child safely and finish with quick mark-making to link movement and hand control.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a large cardboard box (opened at both ends) OR two chairs with a blanket draped to make a tunnel
- 2–3 couch cushions or folded blankets (for a gentle slope and soft landings)
- a low step (bottom stair or a stable, low platform)
- paper and a chunky crayon (or washable marker)
Nice to have
- masking tape to mark a start/finish line
- a favourite toy to ‘lead the way’ through the course
Movement level: high
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneCrawls or scoots for floor mobilityBody· 7mo–12mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneClimbs stairs with adult helpBody· 10mo–18mo· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneWalks upstairs with supportBody· 18mo–2.3y· stretch· Step 3
- MilestoneScribbles or makes marksBody· 12mo–22mo· stretch
- MilestoneMakes connections between their movement and the marks they make.Body· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestonePalmar grasp on writing toolBody· 10mo–22mo· core· Step 4
- MilestonePulls to standBody· 8mo–13mo· stretch
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Provide tunnels, slopes and low-level steps to stimulate and challenge toddlers.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)