Ideas for Games to Play on a Balance Bike

Learning to ride a balance bike is fun, but your child may lose their excitement if it feels repetitive. Adding games to their riding sessions can help keep them engaged and motivated to get in the saddle. Here are some ideas you can try — they’re fun for adults, too, making them perfect for your next family bike ride!

Red Light, Green Light

(Image Credit: PickPik)

This classic early childhood game can help children practise balance and control as they start and stop. It works best with a group of little riders but can also be played with just a child.

Here’s how it works: The parent or supervising adult acts as the “traffic cop”. The traffic cop stands about 20 or more feet away from the riders. When the cop faces away or closes their eyes and calls out “green light,” this signals the players to race toward them. Since balance bikes have a pedal-less design, children need to push off the ground with their feet to move forward.

When the traffic cop calls out “red light”, any players caught moving must return to the starting line. The game continues with alternating “green light” and “red light” commands. The first player to reach the cop wins!

Follow the Leader

Next on our list of balance bike game ideas is “Follow the Leader,” which is best played with other kids who are learning how to ride a bike. The game begins by picking one rider as the “leader,” with others lining up behind. Each child must copy all the actions and movements of the leader, such as doing basic turns to the left or right. Anyone unable to copy a movement is out, and the last one remaining becomes the new leader in the next round.

Encourage the leader to ride in zigzags, make circles, and slowly or stop on one leg. Most importantly, let the young leader get creative with their kid’s bike, but always stand near for supervision and guidance.

Tip: If playing alone, you can take on the role of the leader. Get your Bobbin Brownie bike ready and gear up for a fun riding session with your little one.

The Gliding Competition

If your child prefers solo training, this is an ideal balance bike activity to try. The game is simple: see how far they can glide with their feet off the ground. Set up a starting and finish line, and mark where they lift and put down their feet. The young player must beat their own record for the farthest gliding distance for a challenge.

You can also add variations like timing the glides or creating obstacle courses to glide through. Gliding should be a lot easier without pedals, allowing your child to focus on practising balance while gliding smoothly.

Balance Beam Challenge

A balance beam challenge on a balance bike deserves a spot among our balance bike game ideas. It makes learning balance skills more engaging and boosts your child’s confidence. To start, set up a straight line on the pavement or in your backyard using chalk or tape. The goal is for your child to ride along the line or beam without stepping off. This game focuses on using their feet for initial propulsion and maintaining balance throughout.

Tip: Encourage them to use their body weight and handlebar control to stay centred on the beam. Once they master the straight line, make it more challenging with curves or zig zags.

With these game ideas, make your child’s balance bike adventures fun and beneficial! Not only will this keep them less bored, but it will also help them develop their balance and control skills. If you haven’t found the right two-wheel companion for your little rider, Bobbin is your one-stop shop.

Up next on your reading list: Are Balance Bikes Safe? Toddler Cycling Safety Guide