10 Simple Activities to Improve Grip Strength in Children

Developing grip strength in children is super important for everyday functional skills. Kids need to have adequate muscle strength to use the monkey bars, hold a writing utensil, use school supplies and get dressed. Young children can work on improving grip strength through play and everyday activities. Here are 10 simple activities to improve grip strength in children.

USE PLAY DOUGH – All of the squishing, pinching, rolling and squeezing help to strengthen all the muscles in the fingers and hands. Check out Creative Clay Activities for more ideas!

USE STRESS BALLS – Need to keep those fingers busy with a fidget during to help a student focus? Make a stress ball. The child can fidget and increase grip strength at the same time. Find out how to make a stress ball here.

WATER SQUEEZE – Squeeze water out of washcloths or sponges.

MAKE SLIME – Kids are super crazy about slime right now. All the stirring, mixing and kneading slime helps to strengthen the muscles in the hands.

CARRY SHOPPING BAGS – Have the children help with carrying in the groceries or shopping bags from the mall.

TUG OF WAR – Play tug of war with a small dish towel encouraging the child to hold on tight while you pull the cloth.

HELP COOK – Children can help with kneading bread dough, using a garlic press, rolling out cookie dough, peeling vegetables and more. All of these common chores help to increase grip strength.

PLAY OUTSIDE – Dig in the dirt, shovel sand, build a castle, climb a tree, use monkey bars – all of these tasks give the hand a great workout!

USE A WATER SPRAYER – Assign chores such as spraying the plants, washing the windows or cleaning the table tops using a water spray bottle. The child can squeeze the trigger to spray the water.

USE A HOLE PUNCH – Using a hole punch will help to improve grip strength with all that squeezing.

Download this HUGE Hole Puncher bundle pack to work on hand strengthening with ELA standards.

Check out Hole Punch Palooza to also encourage: hand strengthening, handwriting and drawing practice, visual discrimination skills, visual motor skills, right/left discrimination and bilateral coordination.

Looking for MORE easy, fun ideas for hand strengthening activities for kids that require little to no equipment and no, extensive preparation? The Hand Strengthening Workbook here.