Spanish Action Words for Active Kids

Young children learn best when their bodies are moving. In fact, action-based learning helps preschoolers stay focused longer, remember new words more easily, and connect language to real experiences. That is why Spanish action words kids can use during playtime are such a powerful starting point for early bilingual learning. Instead of sitting still or memorizing lists, children learn Spanish while jumping, running, creating, and calming down.

In this guide, you will learn Spanish action words kids can use naturally during everyday routines, games, and creative activities. Each section focuses on movement-based vocabulary that fits into busy family life. Accordingly, these words support language development without adding extra pressure or screen time. By the end, you will have practical Spanish action words kids can hear, repeat, and understand during play, helping build a strong bilingual foundation from the very beginning.

Big Body Movements Kids Love

Big movements help children release energy while learning new language. Therefore, these Spanish action words kids can act out easily are perfect for active play, dancing, or outdoor time.

Saltar – To jump
Los niños saltan en el patio.
The children jump in the yard.

Correr – To run
Los niños corren en el parque.
The children run in the park.

Girar – To spin
Los niños giran en círculo.
The children spin in a circle.

Trepar – To climb
El niño trepa la escalera.
The child climbs the ladder.

Rodar – To roll
La pelota rueda por el suelo.
The ball rolls on the floor.

Bailar – To dance
Los niños bailan con la música.
The children dance to the music.

Everyday Actions During Daily Routines

Daily routines are ideal moments for repetition. Accordingly, these Spanish action words kids hear every day help language feel natural and useful.

Lavarse – To wash oneself
El niño se lava las manos.
The child washes his hands.

Vestirse – To get dressed
La niña se viste sola.
The girl gets dressed by herself.

Sentarse – To sit down
Los niños se sientan en la mesa.
The children sit at the table.

Recoger – To pick up
Los niños recogen los juguetes.
The children pick up the toys.

Abrir – To open
El niño abre el libro.
The child opens the book.

Cerrar – To close
La niña cierra la puerta.
The girl closes the door.

Action Words for Games and Play

Playtime keeps children engaged, therefore making it the perfect moment to introduce Spanish action words kids enjoy repeating.

Lanzar – To throw
El niño lanza la pelota.
The child throws the ball.

Atrapar – To catch
La niña atrapa la pelota.
The girl catches the ball.

Empujar – To push
El niño empuja el carrito.
The child pushes the cart.

Jalar – To pull
Los niños jalan el juguete.
The children pull the toy.

Construir – To build
Los niños construyen una torre.
The children build a tower.

Fine Motor and Creative Actions

Fine motor activities help children slow down while staying engaged. In contrast to big movements, these actions support focus and creativity.

Colorear – To color
La niña colorea el dibujo.
The girl colors the drawing.

Cortar – To cut
El niño corta el papel.
The child cuts the paper.

Pegar – To glue
La niña pega las figuras.
The girl glues the shapes.

Dibujar – To draw
El niño dibuja un animal.
The child draws an animal.

Armar – To assemble
Los niños arman el rompecabezas.
The children assemble the puzzle.

Calm-Down and Transition Actions

Transitions can be challenging for young children. Therefore, these Spanish action words kids can associate with calm moments help create smoother routines.

Respirar – To breathe
Los niños respiran profundo.
The children breathe deeply.

Escuchar – To listen
Los niños escuchan el cuento.
The children listen to the story.

Descansar – To rest
El niño descansa en su cama.
The child rests in his bed.

Acostarse – To lie down
La niña se acuesta temprano.
The girl lies down early.

Esperar – To wait
Los niños esperan su turno.
The children wait their turn.

Mini Practice Activity

Choose five Spanish action words kids learned in this article. Say the word aloud and act it out together. Then, ask your child to repeat the word while doing the action. In order to reinforce learning, repeat the same five words daily for one week.

Keep Moving!

Movement-based learning makes Spanish feel natural and joyful. When children connect language to action, they remember words more easily and use them with confidence. Spanish action words kids hear during play, routines, and creative time support early bilingual development without pressure. In fact, these words turn everyday moments into meaningful language opportunities.

Consistent exposure matters more than perfection. Accordingly, short, playful practice builds strong foundations over time. If you would like guided support, Homeschool Spanish Academy offers 100% online Spanish classes taught by native Spanish speakers. With engaging lessons, flexible scheduling, and 1-on-1 or 2-on-1 live sessions, learning fits easily into family life. Book your free trial class today and discover how fun and effective early Spanish learning can be.

Join one of the 40,000 classes that we teach each month and you can experience results like these

Want to Learn More Spanish Vocabulary? Check These Out!

• Spanish Action Words for Active Kids
• Spanish Vocabulary for School Presentations
• Spanish Sports Vocabulary for Young Learners
• Spanish Science Vocabulary for Middle School
• From Mayan Looms to Modern Spanish: Everyday Words Born From Weaving Culture
• From Threads to Identity: How Ancient Weavings Told Stories Before Written Spanish
• From “Año Nuevo” to “Nuevo Comienzo”: Subtle Spanish Expressions That Signal Advanced Fluency
• New Year, New Voice: How Advanced Spanish Learners Can Sound More Natural in Conversation