What activity would be most suitable to promote gross motor skills in a 3-year-old?

Playing ball outdoors is an excellent choice for promoting gross motor skills in a 3-year-old. At this age, children are developing their physical abilities, including coordination, balance, and strength. Engaging in activities like throwing, catching, and kicking a ball encourages them to use their large muscle groups, which enhances their gross motor skills.

Outdoor play generally provides ample space for movement, allowing children to run, jump, and maneuver, all of which are crucial for physical development. The social aspect of playing ball with peers can also motivate children to participate more actively, making it not only a physical activity but also a social one.

In contrast, other activities like building with blocks, reading storybooks, and coloring pictures focus more on fine motor skills, cognitive development, and language skills, rather than the large muscle coordination and strength that gross motor skills entail. While these activities are important for overall development, they do not primarily emphasize the gross motor skills that are effectively nurtured through active play with balls outdoors.