Playtime Compass LogoPlaytime Compass
Back to library
A toddler laughing while running across a clear living room floor as a grown-up follows a few steps behind with open arms.
Fine motorStop And StartIndoor

Chasing Game.

Turn a clear stretch of floor into an instant chase game. Say “I'm going to get you,” let your toddler run, then catch them gently to build anticipation while practicing gross motor skills, balance, and coordination.

Play time
5+ min
Age
1-2 years
Energy
High
Mess
Low
Effort
Low
Where
Indoor
Start here

The recipe.

Low parent effort
1 things

What you need

  • 1 open indoor floor space
5 min minimum

Setup

Then start the loop
Step 01
Clear a short stretch of indoor floor with enough room for your toddler to run.
"Here I come."
The loop

How play unfolds.

Four panels showing a clear indoor path, a grown-up giving the chase cue, a toddler running across the room, and a gentle catch before both reset for another round.
  1. 01
    Say “I'm going to get you” and begin chasing your toddler at an easy, playful pace.
  2. 02
    Follow without catching them right away so the anticipation can build.
  3. 03
    Close the distance and gently catch your toddler with your arms.
  4. 04
    Give your child room to move away, then repeat the chase.

Safety Check

  • Keep the chase path away from sharp corners, slippery rugs, and hard furniture edges.
  • Catch gently and stop if your child becomes too excited to slow down safely.
Skill spotlight
Stop And Start

Starting and stopping body movement during a short chase

This helps your child manage speed changes, body control, and quick resets during active play, which carries into games, hallway movement, and everyday transitions.

  • •The repeated run, catch, and reset loop gives your child practice starting and stopping their body with more control.
  • •The clear chase phrase keeps the game easy to enter even when your child only wants a few words.
  • •The short path makes it easy to burn energy without setting up equipment or leaving the room.
Real-world transfer
  • Stopping and starting during active play.
  • Moving through rooms with better body control.
Supporting the play

What to say in the moment

Match what you say to what you see.

Prompt ladder
Level 1 (Start)
I'm going to get you.
Level 2 (Keep going)
Run to the wall.
Level 3 (Stretch)
Turn and run back.
Level 4 (Extend)
Ready for one more chase?
If your child seems...
What you'd see
Focused
What to do
Say
"You ran fast."
Add
Use the same short chase cue again.
Extend
Let your child turn and run back toward the starting spot before the catch.

Make it easier

Younger end
  • -Start from very close behind your child.
  • -Use the same chase phrase every round.
  • -Let the catch happen after only a few steps.

Make it harder

Older end
  • +Let your child turn once before the catch.
  • +Pause for one beat before you start chasing.
  • +Switch which safe stopping point is the target.

If it's not working

If you see
If child ignores it
Back up, crouch down, say "Ready, set, go," and let your child start the run before you move.
If you see
If child misuses it
If your child crashes into furniture or changes rooms, shorten the path and bring the chase back to one small safe zone.
If you see
If child gets frustrated
Turn the next round into one very short catch after two or three steps, then stop and reset together.
Back to library
Keep playing

Related activities.