--- title: 5 Activities with a Step Stool description: A step stool is something almost all families have and always seems to come in handy around the house and for letting your child reach those higher surfaces. A step stool can be used for so many more things than just a surface to reach those higher places. We love to incorporate step stools into […] --- [Try Alphabet Yoga Cards for Free >>](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/download/free-yoga) - [650-638-9142](tel:650-638-9142) - [admin@starfishtherapies.com](mailto:{{item.email}}) - [Contact Us](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/contact-us) - Get Started - [Plan of Care Evaluation](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/consult/plan-of-care) - [Telehealth Consult](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/consult/telehealth) - [New Patient Forms](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/intake-form) [![StarfishLogo@2x](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20images/StarfishLogo@2x.png?width=544&height=112&name=StarfishLogo@2x.png "StarfishLogo@2x")](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/) - [Therapy Services](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/services) Show submenu for Therapy Services - [Physical Therapy](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/services/physical-therapy) - [Occupational Therapy](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/services/occupational-therapy) - [Motor Smart Kids](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/services/motor-smart-kids) - [Gross Motor Program](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/services/gross-motor-program) - For Parents Show submenu for For Parents - [Free Resources](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/starfishresources) - [Blog & Articles](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog) - [Shop Games & Tools](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/shop) - [FAQs](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/faq) - [Free Yoga Cards](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/resource/alphabet-yoga-cards) - [About Us](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/about/about-us) Show submenu for About Us - [Our Team](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/our-team) - [Our Mission & Values](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/about/mission-values) - [Why Choose Us?](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/our-team#why) [Contact Click to Contact](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/contact-us) Close - [Therapy Services](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/services) Show submenu for Therapy Services - [Physical Therapy](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/services/physical-therapy) - [Occupational Therapy](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/services/occupational-therapy) - [Motor Smart Kids](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/services/motor-smart-kids) - [Gross Motor Program](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/services/gross-motor-program) - For Parents Show submenu for For Parents - [Free Resources](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/starfishresources) - [Blog & Articles](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog) - [Shop Games & Tools](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/shop) - [FAQs](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/faq) - [Free Yoga Cards](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/resource/alphabet-yoga-cards) - [About Us](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/about/about-us) Show submenu for About Us - [Our Team](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/our-team) - [Our Mission & Values](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/about/mission-values) - [Why Choose Us?](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/our-team#why) - [Contact Us](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/contact-us) - Get Started - [Plan of Care Evaluation](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/consult/plan-of-care) - [Telehealth Consult](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/consult/telehealth) - [New Patient Forms](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/intake-form) - [650-638-9142](tel:650-638-9142) - [admin@starfishtherapies.com](mailto:{{item.email}}) [Contact](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/contact-us) This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. [< See All Posts](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog) [exercise](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog/tag/exercise), [kids](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog/tag/kids), [Developmental Milestones](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog/tag/developmental-milestones), [Starfish Therapies](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog/tag/starfish-therapies), [balance](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog/tag/balance), [Blog](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog/tag/blog), [moms](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog/tag/moms), [plank](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog/tag/plank) --- # 5 Activities with a Step Stool ![default-image](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Starfish/images/custom-images/default-image.svg) A step stool is something almost all families have and always seems to come in handy around the house and for letting your child reach those higher surfaces. A step stool can be used for so many more things than just a surface to reach those higher places. We love to incorporate step stools into our exercises with kids. These exercises span all ages – and most can provide a bit of a work-out for adults as well! While we are talking about stools some of the pictures will show other items being used. That’s the beauty of it, you can substitute with what you have! You can also round up all those catalogues you have and duct tape them together to just the right height! ![](https://static.hsstatic.net/BlogImporterAssetsUI/ex/missing-image.png) 1. **Plank **(If you are interested in more plank activities check out our [activity cards](https://starfishtherapies.com/product/plank-series/)) Under Tummy: Try this for younger kids who need a little extra help in getting into and staying in this position. (pretend the picture below is a small stool and the feet are on the ground. Although it can also be used this way too!) ![](https://static.hsstatic.net/BlogImporterAssetsUI/ex/missing-image.png) Hands On: This is great for kids that have a bit of a difficult time getting into the plank position on flat ground! ![](https://static.hsstatic.net/BlogImporterAssetsUI/ex/missing-image.png) Feet On: This bumps up the challenge and really makes the upper body and shoulders work! ![](https://static.hsstatic.net/BlogImporterAssetsUI/ex/missing-image.png) 1. **Lunges:** Placing a step stool under a foot adds in an extra balance challenge and also increases the hip and core demand. Back Foot On: Make sure to stay up on toes! (the BOSU can be used to increase the challenge) ![](https://static.hsstatic.net/BlogImporterAssetsUI/ex/missing-image.png) Front Foot On: Make sure to keep foot fully flat! This works best with shorter height step stools. (Just reverse the above picture for this activity!) 1. **Jump downs** Jumping down can sometimes be a scary activity. We love a step stool for the familiarity and shorter height it provides to help make this task easier. Using this in an obstacle course or completing repetitively is also a great endurance activity and will help to burn some of that energy off! If your little one is still learning to jump you may need to give them a little help at their arms! ![](https://static.hsstatic.net/BlogImporterAssetsUI/ex/missing-image.png) 1. **Step-taps** Start by standing on top of the step-stool, tap one foot (or just the toes) on to the stool, then back to the floor, then switch legs. We absolutely love this activity to practice standing on one foot ![](https://static.hsstatic.net/BlogImporterAssetsUI/ex/missing-image.png) 1. **Sit-to stand:** We love this activity for new walkers and school age children alike! New walkers: Using a step-stool can help place your child a bit closer into standing, making the fear that is sometimes associated with the transition a bit easier to overcome ![](https://static.hsstatic.net/BlogImporterAssetsUI/ex/missing-image.png) Older children: This is a great activity to use as a strengthening exercise! Standing up from a low surface without using hands to help really targets the hip muscles! ![](https://static.hsstatic.net/BlogImporterAssetsUI/ex/missing-image.png) [![Share on facebook](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/facebook-icon.svg)](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog/2021/04/5-activities-with-a-step-stool&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on twitter](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/twitter-icon.svg)](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog/2021/04/5-activities-with-a-step-stool&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog/2021/04/5-activities-with-a-step-stool&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on instagram](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/instagram-icon.svg)](http://www.instagram.com/share.php?u=https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog/2021/04/5-activities-with-a-step-stool&utm_medium=social&utm_source=instagram) [![Share on linkedin](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/linkedin-icon.svg)](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog/2021/04/5-activities-with-a-step-stool&utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on pinterest](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/pinterest-icon.svg)](https://in.pinterest.com) [![Share on whatsapp](https://fs.hubspotusercontent00.net/hubfs/4172253/OneTheme/social-icons/whatsapp-icon.svg)](https://web.whatsapp.com) [Previous Post](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog/2021/03/spring-movement) [Next Post](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog/2021/04/ideas-for-parents-to-refill-their-cup) ### Book Your Telehealth Consult Now Get Expert Pediatric Therapy Advice from the Comfort of Home! One-hour personalized consultation with licensed pediatric therapists. No insurance required. [Book Now Click to Book Now](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/consult/telehealth) [![Starfish Therapies Logo - Pediatric Therapy Making a Difference in a San Francisco](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20images/StarfishLogo@2x.png?width=200&height=41&name=StarfishLogo@2x.png "Starfish Therapies Logo - Pediatric Therapy Making a Difference in a San Francisco")](https://www.starfishtherapies.com) Helping Kids Shine Brighter Every Day Starfish Therapies provides pediatric physical, occupational, and speech therapy services designed to support every child's unique developmental journey. Whether in-person or through telehealth, our expert therapists work hand-in-hand with families to build skills, confidence, and independence in a fun, nurturing environment. Serving children of all ages in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond. [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/StarfishTherapies/) [Follow us on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/starfishtherapies/) [Follow us on Twitter](https://twitter.com/MotorSmartKids) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.linkedin.com/company/starfish-therapies) [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.youtube.com/c/StarfishTherapies) ##### Quick Links - [Services](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/services) - [Resources](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/starfishresources) - [Policies](https://www.starfishtherapies.com/policies) ##### Information [1601 Old Bayshore Highway #221 Burlingame, CA 94010](https://goo.gl/maps/iW2CLPDxUwm) [Phone: (650) 638-9142](tel:6506389142) Fax: (650) 638-9141 [Text: (650) 413-9921](mailto:admin@starfishtherapies.com) [admin@starfishtherapies.com](mailto:admin@starfishtherapies.com) Copyright © 2026 All Rights Reserved. ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Stacy Menz", "url" : "https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog/author/stacy-menz" }, "dateModified" : "2025-05-14T02:18:21.196Z", "datePublished" : "2021-04-27T12:06:42.000Z", "headline" : "5 Activities with a Step Stool", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.starfishtherapies.com/blog/2021/04/5-activities-with-a-step-stool", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.starfishtherapies.com/hubfs/Imported%20images/StarfishLogo@2x.png" }, "name" : "Starfish Therapies" } } ```