[Skip to Content]
  • MILESTONES NEWSLETTER

    Subscribe for trustworthy health information delivered directly to your inbox

    Sign Up

Doctors use certain milestones to tell if a preschooler is developing as expected. There's a wide range of what's considered normal, so some children gain skills earlier or later than others.

Kids who were born prematurely may reach milestones later. Always talk with your doctor about your child's progress.

Here are things preschoolers usually do by 5 years old:

Communication and Speech Milestones

At age 5, kids are often eager to talk with caregivers and friends. They may like to:

  • tell a story with at least 2 events that they heard or made up
  • answer questions about a story after hearing it
  • have a conversation with several back-and-forth exchanges
  • say simple rhymes, like bat-cat

Movement and Physical Milestones

Five-year-olds usually have lots of energy. They’ll use it to further their physical development and master skills. Some things they may do:

  • button some buttons
  • hop
  • stand on one foot for at least 5 to 10 seconds
  • play games that involve movement like “Duck, Duck, Goose” or red light-green light
  • skip, run, jump, and tiptoe
  • engage in pretend play, like “roaring” like a dinosaur or “galloping” like a horse

Social and Emotional Milestones 

Five-year-olds are becoming more independent, building relationships, and feeling a range of emotions. They may:

  • be able to follow rules and take turns when playing games
  • perform for you
  • do simple chores, like clearing the table after eating
  • form friendships with other kids
  • have back-and-forth conversations with parents and caregivers
  • test boundaries with parents
  • occasionally, show big emotions that seem like they’re regressing (for example, having a temper tantrum or "meltdown")

Cognitive Milestones (Thinking and Learning)

At age 5, kid’s brains are moving just as much as their bodies. They are constantly learning and questioning everything. Here’s some of what they may do:

  • count to 10
  • write some of the letters in their name
  • name some letters and numbers when you point to them
  • understand words about time, like “yesterday” or “tomorrow,” “after” or “before”
  • pay attention for 5–10 minutes during activities, like arts and crafts or listening to a book

Developmental Activities for 5 Year Olds

Help your 5-year-old child build skills by doing simple and fun activities together. Here’s some things to try:

  • engage in activities that let your child take the lead, like being the leader in a game of “follow the leader”
  • make a pillow fort
  • play with interactive toys like puzzles and building blocks
  • talk about the days of the week and the concept of time like what “today,” “tomorrow,” and “yesterday” mean
  • read aloud to your child and talk about the story

When Should I Call the Doctor?

You know your child best. So, share your concerns — even little ones — with your child's doctor.

If your preschooler is not meeting one or more milestones or you notice that your child had skills but has lost them, tell your doctor. If your child’s annual well-child visit at age 5 isn’t coming up soon, you can make a separate appointment to discuss your concerns.

To learn more about early signs of developmental problems, go to the CDC’s Learn the Signs. Act Early. program.

Date reviewed: July 2025