What gross motor skill should a typical 2 year old be able to do?

A typical 2-year-old should be able to kick a ball, which is a gross motor skill reflecting their developing coordination and muscle control. Kicking a ball involves using large muscle groups in the legs and requires the child to balance while they perform the movement. At this age, children are practicing various forms of locomotion and starting to refine their motor skills, making kicking a ball a common and achievable milestone.

Climbing playground equipment, while some may attempt it, usually develops a bit later as it requires more advanced coordination and balance. Swinging on a swing typically involves more complex actions and an understanding of rhythm and timing, which may not be fully developed by age two. Riding a bicycle is usually not an expectation until later, as it combines balance, pedaling, and steering, which are still being developed in that early stage. Therefore, kicking a ball stands out as a gross motor skill that aligns well with the capabilities and developmental stage of a typical 2-year-old.