At what age should a child be able to hop on one foot?

A child typically achieves the ability to hop on one foot around the age of 4 years. This milestone is indicative of the refinement of motor skills and balance that develop during early childhood. By this age, most children have developed enough strength and coordination in their legs to perform the action of hopping, which involves balancing on one foot while swinging the other foot upward and then landing back on the same foot.

Hopping is a complex skill that requires not only physical strength but also timing and integrated motor control, factors that are further developed through various playful activities and physical exercises. Children at age 4 are often engaging in more dynamic play that encourages these skills, thus making this milestone expected around this age.

It is important to note that younger children, such as those who are 2 or 3 years old, may demonstrate some early attempts at hopping, but it is typically not refined or consistent until they reach around 4 years. At 5 years, children should be able to hop on one foot with greater proficiency and may also start to combine hopping with other movements, showcasing further development in their motor skills.