What gross motor skill development occurs by age 3?

By age 3, children generally exhibit significant improvement in their gross motor skills, which include the larger movements of the body and limbs. One key development at this age is the ability to catch and throw a ball, although there is still some variability in the level of accuracy each child may demonstrate. This skill indicates a growing ability to coordinate movements and balance, as it requires not only upper body strength but also timing and spatial awareness.

While standing on tiptoe, hopping on both legs, and walking are important gross motor skills, they typically develop either before age 3 or are less refined. For instance, standing on tiptoe can often be seen around age 2, while hopping on one leg is usually achieved later, often around age 4. Learning to walk generally occurs earlier in a child's development, typically around the age of 12 months. Thus, the ability to catch and throw a ball accurately is a defining milestone for gross motor development by the time a child reaches 3 years old.