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Rhythms of Play

Art, Crafts, DIY; Raising Creative Outdoor Kids

Outdoor Learning and Nature Activities for Kids

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Learn about nature and the mysteries it holds with this fantastic collection of outdoor activities for kids.

This article lists fun and engaging outdoor learning ideas and nature activities for kids. Engaging children in daily outdoor learning adventures is an excellent way to educate and entertain children of all ages, interests, and abilities. The outdoor activity ideas below include child-led and loosely structured outdoor activities, along with suggestions for more advanced nature studies and outdoor science experiments. Use the creative ideas below to get toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, elementary-aged students, tweens, and teens outside to learn naturally every day–spring, summer, fall, and even winter!

In an era increasingly dominated by screens and indoor activities, outdoor learning offers an essential alternative for children’s education and development. Learning outdoors promotes physical activity, inspires a lifelong love for learning, helps children establish a deeper connection with nature, and nurtures their developing sense of self, among many other mental-emotional benefits.

This list of outdoor activities includes a collection of outdoor learning activities and  nature craft ideas  that can be used by parents, teachers, homeschoolers, or anyone seeking to enhance their child’s understanding of or connection to the natural world. These outdoor nature activities also make excellent suggestions for educators and instructors who teach at nature preschools, forest school kindergartens, outdoor education programs, or summer camps.

Educational Outdoor Activities for Kids:

Educational outdoor activities like those here offer a variety of beneficial learning opportunities to the developing child. The suggestions include a wide range of fun outdoor activities for kids of all ages, including nature study ideas and outdoor science ideas, along with an extensive selection of nature crafts for toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, elementary school-age children, tweens, and teens! So be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to see all the easy ways to get kids outside learning and having fun. You might also enjoy this quick list of weekly outdoor activities and a personal story about why I started the “ Get Outside and Connect ” movement.

Related: The Ultimate Eco-Friendly Gift Guide for Kids

Nature Activities and Nature School Ideas for Kids of All Ages

Exploring the great outdoors can be a transformative experience for children. It offers many opportunities to learn, play, and connect with the natural world. Whether hiking through the wilderness, exploring forest trails, spotting wildlife, climbing trees, or dipping toes into cool streams and warm ocean currents. Spending time outside can foster a sense of wonder and curiosity, building brains and bodies in a way only nature can provide. 

Outside activities like those here encourage a deeper appreciation for nature, nurture a sense of wonder, build connections, and ignite creativity. This makes creative outdoor play an essential part of childhood development. Whether tending a garden, searching for hidden treasures, camping under the stars, or unraveling nature’s more profound mysteries, these activities in nature allow children of all ages to develop resilience and ignite a lifelong love for the outdoors.

Below is a list of outside activities for children of all ages. It has several fun activity ideas to support outdoor learning in nature. However, these forest school nature activities and outdoor learning ideas for kids are only suggestions. Forest school is about allowing kids to take the lead in their outdoor education.

help children learn through play outdoors:

Instead of teaching young children about nature and the great outdoors, acting as a guide and fellow nature explorer is best. Get the kids outside and use the nature activities on the list of outdoor ideas below as a starting point for your day-to-day adventures in learning.

In other words, the list of nature activities and suggestions below is best used to facilitate play rather than to teach. Once play begins, step aside and allow it to unfold naturally. As parents and educators, we must give children the space to discover what interests them most. This is especially important when educating toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners. When children are educated in this way, older children and teens will be ready for lessons in the areas that interest them and are required for their studies. There is no rush.

“ Roots of understanding grow deep when curious minds are nourished in nature. “ Nell Regan Kartychok (Founder of Rhythms of Play ).

Provide Opportunities to Learn Outside Every Day:

Help young children get outside daily. One of the best things we can do for young children is allow them to discover and explore the subjects that light them up. Ignite their curiosity and guide them to understand the answers to the questions they seek through exploration and discovery in the natural world.

When young children ask questions, answer them with a question that helps them figure out the answer independently. In other words, ask toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners simple things to help them learn the answers they seek. Not only does this early educational practice help stop children from looking to you for all the answers, but it also teaches them how to uncover the clues that will help them discover the solution independently. Isn’t that what education is all about?

Help elementary-aged kids, tweens, and teens fan the flames and offer deeper explorations via lessons and projects into areas of interest. In other words, support their educational efforts with classes, activities, books, arts and crafts, and other projects that match their interests and abilities and fulfill other academic needs. You got this!

Outdoor Nature Activities for Kids:

I must admit that a few of the suggested outdoor activities for kids were written long ago and still desperately need a tune-up. However, even those we update often need to be improved again, so please let us know if there is something you would like us to revisit or add to the queue. We are improving each suggestion and plan to add new outdoor activities, forest school ideas, and nature activities for kids of all ages. So, stay tuned!

I will add more outdoor learning ideas, nature activities, and nature crafts for nature school preschools, forest schools, and nature-based homeschoolers to this list as we continue to find and create them. So bookmark this page for easy reference, and check back often! If you’re looking for creative ways to entertain and educate children while making something useful, you might also enjoy this list of homemade gifts kids can make .

**Click on the link for each forest school suggestion below to learn more about that nature activity for kids!**

Related: Get Outside and Connect

Fun and Educational Outside Activities for Kids:

Children will love these outdoor activities so much that they won’t even realize they are learning. This list of nature activities for kids includes some of the best outdoor activities for toddlers to teens. Which of these classic outdoor activities is your favorite?

1. Skip a Rock:

• Learn how to skip a rock and everything you need to know about rock skipping in this fun article about the art and science of skipping stones .
• Can you beat the world record number of skips?

2. Birding for Kids:

• Bird watching, or birding, is a fun wilderness observation activity for children from toddlers to teens.
• Click the link to learn more about bird watching with kids and discover birding lesson plans and ideas for kids.

3. Squirrel Activities and Learning Ideas:

• Invite children to learn about squirrels with these fun facts, squirrel-themed teaching ideas, outdoor activities, and cute squirrel crafts for kids!
• Get the Printable Squirrel Behavior Tally Sheet  and invite kids to count the common squirrel behaviors they notice.

4. Make Mud Pies:

• Making mud pies and other creations with water and dirt is a classic old-school nature activity for kids.
• Playing with mud and creating works of art with the hands is an excellent sensory activity for developing children.
• Visit How to  Make Mud Pies  for step-by-step instructions and ideas.

5. Climb a Tree:

• Tree climbing is an outdoor activity with many benefits for the developing child.
• Discover how to climb a tree, support your child’s first efforts, and learn about other benefits of risky play in  15 Reasons to Climb a Tree  (and other benefits of risky play).

6. Make a Mandala:

• Create Nature Mandalas !
• Gather nature’s treasures to make a mandala with natural materials outside.

7. Explore a Shore:

• Take the time to explore a seashore, lakeshore, river shore, or creek shore; Learning happens naturally when we get outside!
• Stay cool on a hot sunny day, or bundle up and enjoy a sit or a stroll any day of the year.
• Play in the water, look for hidden treasures, and discover the creatures that live there.
• Visit your favorite shore near a body of water today! For more seaside or creekside activity ideas, visit  HERE. Remember to follow basic beach and water safety guidelines.

8. Go Bouldering:

• Find an outdoor area and let the kids scramble and climb on small boulders.
• This is a fantastic outdoor gross motor activity with many physical, mental, and emotional benefits.
• Some playgrounds and climbing gyms also provide bouldering opportunities for children.

9. Hug a Tree:

• Hugging trees is a feel-good outdoor activity for all ages, with mental and emotional benefits for anyone willing to try it.
• Please teach children 5 to 12 years of age to hug and even talk to a tree should they ever find themselves alone in the wilderness.
• It is easier for searchers to find children when they don’t move.

10. Roll Down a Hill:

• Rolling downhill is an excellent outdoor activity for developing the sensory system.
• Learn more about the benefits of this fun outdoor idea for kids HERE–> Roll Down a Hill .

11. Walk Across Fallen Trees and Logs:

• Here’s an exciting outdoor gross motor balance challenge for Kids.
• Walking across fallen trees or logs is a fantastic activity for developing the kinesthetic and vestibular sensory systems.

12. Make Sunprints:

• First, invite them to place objects from nature onto the sunprint paper.
• Then, place the sun print paper with the natural objects in the sun to see what happens.
• Creating art with sunprint paper is a fun way to keep children of all ages busy learning outside.

13. Have Fun with Fall Leaves:

• Autumn is an excellent time to get outside and play in falling leaves.
• We have ten leaf activities to make outdoor fall leaf play more exciting and fun!

14. Make Rain Art:

• Rain painting is fun on a rainy day!
• Place marker drawings and doodles outside to be transformed by the rain to create rain art with this fun rainy-day STEAM activity for kids.
• Learn more about this transformative outdoor art project idea for kids in Rain Painting .

15. Play in the Rain:

• Here are 20 outdoor rainy-day play activities that will have your kids running for the back door when it rains–> Fun Ways to Play in the Rain .

Nature Games for Kids:

Playing nature games outdoors fosters a sense of wonder and curiosity that only Mother Earth can provide. Nature games of various types encourage the exploration of outdoor environments where children can discover specific elements or components (minerals, animals) that make up the natural world. They also offer an engaging way for kids of all ages to connect with the natural world while promoting physical activity and learning through gameplay.

1. Fall Leaf Counting Game:

• Have you ever tried to catch autumn leaves as they fall to the ground?
• Counting and catching fall leaves as they fall is a fun gross motor movement and nature math game for the kids to enjoy in the fall or autumn.

2. Stone Skipping Games:

• Play a simple stone-skipping math game with the ideas in this article about rock skipping .
• Rock-skipping games are fun for all ages!

3. Nature Matching Game: (Photo Below)

• Exercise the brain and boost memory skills with this fun twist on the classic game of memory. Make your own DIY Nature Memory Matching Game for Kids !
• Using items found in nature adds a sensory component to the memory game, increasing its brain-building power.

4. Nature Scavenger Hunts:

Nature scavenger hunts appeal to the child’s natural interest in discovering the many clues that can be seen, heard, and felt in the natural world. Activities like scavenger hunts spark a sense of wonder and curiosity in children as they learn about different plants, insects, and animals, honing their observational skills. Invite children to discover the magic and wonder of the natural world with some of these creative nature scavenger hunt ideas for kids.

Fun Nature Scavenger Hunt Ideas for Kids:

• Sensory Card Nature Scavenger Hunt for Toddlers : Make a nature sensory card with your children and send them on a nature scavenger hunt.
• Nature Sensory Bin Scavenger Hunt : Collect natural items and use them to make a nature sensory bin for children. (Photo below)
• Heart Shape Nature Scavenger Hunt : Have you ever been on a scavenger hunt for colors or shapes? My daughter and I love looking for hearts in nature. Check out the fantastic video we made.
• Birding Scavenger Hunts : Visit our bird-watching activities post for a few fun birding scavenger hunt ideas for kids.
• Search for Signs of Autumn and Fall Scavenger Hunt for Preschoolers
• Signs of Winter and Winter Scavenger Hunt for Preschoolers
• Search for Signs of Spring and Spring Scavenger Hunt for Preschoolers
• Signs of Summer Scavenger Hunt and Summer Scavenger Hunt for Preschoolers

Outdoor Gardening Activities for Kids:

A garden is also a fantastic place for children to plant the seeds of their learning. Early literacy, math, and science concepts are abundant in homegrown gardens. When children know how to grow and harvest the foods they eat, their minds, bodies, and the future of our planet will each benefit immensely. Tending the cycle of nature in our backyards via gardening and composting is becoming a lost art. Join us.

Begin by nurturing nature’s many cycles by offering hands-on gardening activities in your home, homeschool, classroom, or outdoor classroom. Or, click the link to gather more creative ideas (in addition to or instead of gardening) to become one of the way-showers for the next generation in your neck of the woods, whether rural, urban, suburban, or city.

• Plant Flowers with Kids
• How to Plant a Tree
• Composting with Kids
• How to Start Tomatoes
• Growing Sunflowers with Kids  
• How to Make a Fairy Garden  (photo below)

Related: 15 Ways to Raise a Helper

Nature Study Ideas for Kids:

We have a few nature study ideas to use as a starting point in your outdoor science learning adventures. You will notice that some of these outdoor activity suggestions are also under other headings in this article to ensure you find the ideas you seek. Learn from and with nature with the list of engaging nature study ideas for kids below. (Learn more on our Nature Study Resource Page )

• Nature journals are excellent places for our children to write about their observations of the natural world.
• They are also excellent for creating artwork when out in nature.
• A must-have list of nature study supplies to keep in your child’s nature backpack.
• Children love to watch and learn about birds in their backyards, neighborhoods, local parks , and nature reserves.
• Invite children to learn everything there is to know about squirrels with this list of squirrel-themed nature study ideas!
• Spend time observing the squirrels in your backyard with these fun outdoor learning activities for kids.
• Get the printable Squirrel Behavior Tally Sheet from the  Rhythms of Play  Learning Center .
• Watching bees is an excellent way for children to learn about the importance of pollination and much more!
• Learn how worms enrich the soil and help your garden grow.
• Take the time to explore and study a seashore, lakeshore, river shore, or creek shore. Learning happens–naturally when we get outside!

More Outside Activities for Kids: Outdoor Learning Ideas and Suggestions for Children

The list of engaging outdoor learning ideas below shares several more suggestions (in addition to those shared in the previous section) that can enrich children’s knowledge across different subjects.

Outdoor Science and STEAM Activity Ideas for Kids:

There are so many fun ways to learn and play with nature. Try these educational outdoor science, STEM, and STEAM ideas for children:

• Fun and Educational Shadow Activities for Kids
• Fly a Kite 
• Skip Stones
• Human Sundial Science Experiment
• Shadow Art STEAM project
• Rainy Day Art
• Sorting and Classifying Rocks: Geology for Kids  
• Make a Nature Mandala
• Rock Balancing Stone Stacking STEAM  

Related: Rainbow Science and STEAM activities  

DIY Outdoor Play Areas to Support Learning Outside:

In today’s screen-filled world, challenging children’s minds and bodies with outdoor spaces that support and benefit the development of a healthy vestibular system, cardiovascular system, and gross and fine motor muscle movements is essential. Below is a list of fun outdoor play areas for nature school preschools, forest school kindergartens, homeschoolers, and backyards that help do just that! Give your children the opportunity to get outside and learn through play in spring, summer, fall, and winter with these fun outdoor play spaces:

• How to Make an Outdoor DIY Chalkboard
• Best Sand and Water Tables to DIY or Buy!
• How to Grow a Sunflower House or Fort
• DIY Outdoor Art Table and Mud Kitchen
• How to Make a Fairy Garden
• Sandboxes Children LOVE!
• Swingsets , swings , and hammocks
• Little slides and big slides
• Climbing wall or structure
• Balance beams , logs, stumps, stepping stones , or large boulders to walk on or climb
• Ninja Warrior Obstacle Course
• Zipline pulley and slack lines
• Outdoor trampoline

Field Trip Ideas for Parents and Educators:

Go on a field trip with the kids for even more outdoor learning fun!

• Apple Orchard Field Trip Ideas
• Pumpkin Patch Field Trip Family Guide
• Find your way in a Corn Maze
• Berry Picking and Wild Foraging
• Enjoy nature reserves near and far for wildlife viewing and more.
• Visit the information center at private, local, national, and state parks to learn about activities and adventures you can do with kids in each area.

Related: 8 Reasons I Allow My Child to Go Barefoot

Nature Activities for Kids: More Fun Ways to Learn about Nature

Nature tables for every season:.

A nature table is a space in the home dedicated to nature and the natural world. Items collected in the natural world (or natural objects representing nature) are placed on the table to be learned about, played with, and enjoyed.

We change our nature table every few months to reflect the season, adding and removing items throughout the year. Check out our nature table ideas for each season! Invite your children to bring the treasures they collect in the natural world home to their nature table or shelf to explore more deeply.

• Spring Nature Table
• Summer Nature Table Ideas
• Winter Nature Table
• Fall Nature Table

More Learning Fun for All Seasons

Here’s a list of traditional seasonal celebration ideas during the year’s rhythm. Celebrating the changes that occur throughout the year and observing seasonal changes is a great way to educate children and bring more meaning to family life.

Seasonal Celebration Ideas:

Celebrate the changing seasons within the “Wheel of the Year” with the solstice and equinox solar festival celebration ideas and cross-quarter day sabbat festivals below:

• Winter Solstice Celebration Ideas
• Imbolc Traditions and Celebration Ideas
• Ways to Celebrate the Spring Equinox
• May Day Traditions and Celebration Ideas
• Summer Solstice Celebration Ideas
• Celebrate Lugnasada or Lammas
• Ways to Celebrate the Fall Autumnal Equinox
• Samhain Traditions and Celebration Ideas
• Traditional Fall Lantern Walk Celebration Ideas
• Stone Spiral Advent

Fun Seasonal Activities To Do with Kids:

Here’s a list of fun outdoor activities for kids (and adults) during each season. Each one comes with a printable bucket list to make it easy to check off each activity you accomplish.

• Summer Activities for Kids
• Fall Activities for Kids
• Winter Activities for Kids
• Spring Activities for Kids

Seasonal Books for Kids:

Reading seasonal books with your children is a beautiful way to share the wonder and magic of nature and the changing seasons.

• Fall Books: Autumn Stories Children Love
• Winter Solstice Books for Kids
• Spring Books for Kids

Nature Arts and Crafts for Kids (And adults, too!)

We have collected several fantastic nature arts and crafts ideas you can try with your children. Click on the links below for some of our favorite ideas. Be sure to visit our Nature Crafts and Nature Art Activities page for more ideas!

• Acorn Marble Necklace or Christmas Ornament Craft
• Nature Mandla Art and Craft Ideas
• Fresh and Pressed Flower Crafts
• Flower Suncatchers
• How to Paint Rocks: Rock Painting Ideas for Kids
• The Best Fall Nature Crafts for Kids
• How to Preserve Leaves
• Leaf Lantern Craft (You can also make leaf lanterns with heart-shaped leaves or make a leaf turkey for Thanksgiving!)
• Easy Turkey Leaf Crafts for Thanksgiving
• How to Make a Fall Leaf Crown
• Nature-Inspired Sensory Bottles
• Sea Glass and Driftwood Wind Chime
• How to Crack Walnuts for Crafts
• Baby Jesus in a Walnut Shell
• Twig Tree Ornaments
• Orange Slice Ornaments
• Rustic Alphabet Ornaments

Seasonal Art Projects for Kids

Creating seasonal art is an excellent way for children to learn about nature and the changing seasons. Try any of the fantastic art project ideas below!

• Fall Art Projects for Kids
• The Best Winter Art Projects for Kids
• Rainbow Art Projects, Crafts, and Painting Ideas
• Flower Art Projects and Painting Ideas
• Four Season Handprint and Fingerprint Tree

Related: Kids’ Books That Teach Important Life Lessons

The Best Books for Outdoor Parents and Educators Raising Nature-Loving Kids

The list of books below is my all-time favorite for outdoor parents and nature school educators who are passionate about getting kids outside to learn naturally and off those damaging glowing screens. I know it can be challenging sometimes, but the health and wellness of our children and their developing brains and minds are worth it. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

• There is No Such Thing as Bad Weather
• Failure to Connect
• Vitamin N: The Essential Guide to a Nature-Rich Life
• Last Child in the Woods
• Nature Preschools and Nature Kindergartens: The Handbook of Outdoor Learning
• Balanced and Barefoot
• How to Raise a Wild Child
• Call of the Wild and Free
• Endangered Minds

The Best Nature Activities for Kids and Educators

We hope you enjoy this collection of outdoor learning ideas for homeschoolers, outdoor educators, and anyone looking to enhance their child’s connection to the natural world. You may also like this collection of nature crafts and art ideas .

We will add to this list of nature school preschool, forest school kindergarten, and nature study ideas as we find and create more, so don’t forget to bookmark this list of outside activities for kids and check back often!

Learn more about Rhythms of Play HERE !

If You Liked Nature Activities for Kids, You Might Also Enjoy

• Spring Activity Ideas (with a printable spring bucket list)
• Summer Activity Ideas (with a printable summer bucket list)
• Fall Activity Ideas (with a printable fall bucket list for the autumn)
• Winter Activity Ideas (with a printable winter bucket list)

• Arts & Crafts
• DIY Projects
• Kids Activities
• Life with Kids

• Back To Top

National Geographic Education Blog

Bring the spirit of exploration to your classroom.

7 Ways to Take Learning Outdoors

Summer is a great time to get outside and explore – for educators and students. So we put the call out to National Geographic Certified Educators to give us their favorite outdoor activities and teaching resources. In addition to this awesome library of outdoor lessons, materials, and partner activities , here are seven ways our certified educators get their classes outside.

Jacqueline Dukes |  All Ages

One of my favorite outdoor activities is Sports Day ( field day, Japanese style ). I like the activity because it is held annually at every school level from pre-school/kindergarten to elementary to junior high school. Through this activity, students learn to respect each other and look for the talents within the team—working together to achieve success.

Magali Bourque | All Ages

My all-time favorite outdoor activity with any age group is going on a field trip to Fish Creek Park in Calgary. The kids have the chance to discover a wonderful and diverse ecosystem. Throughout the day, we search for ”clues” of human and non-human activities. We research trees and try to discover the history behind their growth. The kids are always amazed by all our discoveries! Even though the park is close to our school, the majority of students never really visit it. I’m glad, every year, to bring kids to discover and explore a WONDERFUL outdoor park.

Kimberly Waite | Elementary School

I use The Listening Walk and The Kid’s Guide To Exploring Nature to get my kindergarten explorers interested in nature and the outdoors. We take listening walks around our school to engage our five senses as a part of our map-making unit. We also do scavenger hunts in our school garden to learn about the different parts of plants and labeling. When we study rocks and minerals, I have students look around their yard or the school for a rock to bring to class. We have a “Rock Show and Tell” and record the properties of rocks for a rock field guide.

Kelly Koller | Elementary and Middle School

One of my favorite stand-alone activities is to send students out with magnifiers (or Chromebook microscopes ) and discover patterns. They sketch the pattern and create an “I Wonder?” question about what they are seeing. I have used this activity to just focus on the skill of developing questions and being curious. When I take a more literary twist, I have them focus on descriptive writing skills OR writing a simile/metaphor as well.

Juliet Dana | Middle School

Some amazing, free outdoor curriculum coming from folks connected to UC Berkeley’s Lawrence Hall of Science. The BEETLES project has done extensive write-ups of outdoor lesson plans for field instructors and classroom teachers. I love getting outside to do something like their “ Walk & Talk ,” but if I need to do some science content, I have really had success with their “ Bird Language ” unit.

Lyanne Abreu | Middle and High School

Gardening and cooking outside ! I’ve taught my students how to use basic propane stoves. Not only might it come in handy during a hurricane in Miami, but it also teaches students basic life skills such as cooking. We grow some produce like kale that they can use to sauté to make foods like stir-fry. Being outside and cooking, it just brings people together.

James Mewborne | High School

My favorite outdoor activity we do here at River Bluff High School is to use GPS receivers courtesy of our South Carolina Geographic Alliance . Students create geocaches for their classmates to find. We explore the campus together, and discuss the role technology plays in geography as well as everyday life. The AP students also use this opportunity to create a review with each geocache themed to one of the course units.

Want to keep exploring from summer into fall and all year long? Join educators from around the world taking the National Geographic 1 hour online course for educators: Developing an Explorer Mindset with Your Learners .

Content has been edited for length and clarity.

Lead photo by Lori Espstein.

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One thought on “ 7 Ways to Take Learning Outdoors ”

Great ideas! I also try to spend more time outside even while working since summer is quite short 😉

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The great outdoors can be an incredible tool for enhancing learning for pupils of all age ranges and skill levels. Across any subject or topic, you can make use of nature and the things that make it up.

To help you, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of outdoor activity ideas spanning subjects including English, maths and science, and more.

Outdoor English learning activity ideas

Outdoor maths learning activity ideas, outdoor science learning activity ideas, outdoor coding and ict learning activity ideas, other outdoor learning activity ideas.

1. Sound and word throw. Draw a series of circles in the playground and label each of them with a different sound. Shout out a word and ask the pupil to throw a bean bag (or something else you can throw) into the circle that represents the sound that word begins or ends with. ( True Aim Education ).

2. Grab a letter load. Lay the alphabet out in the playground with physical counters and give the pupil a basket. Shout a word out and challenge them to run to each of the letters that make up the word. Who can collect all the letters and spell out the word the fastest? ( Growing Book By Book )

3. Take story writing outside. Give the class a story prompt related to nature and sit outside to write it. The world around them should provide plenty of inspiration for stories to tell. You could even storyboard it out in the playground first (See point 7). ( Busy Teachers )

4. Write phonics sounds on ping pong balls and throw them into a water table. Ask the class to go “fishing” for sounds using a pond net. ( Hope Education )

5. Make a series of garages with cardboard boxes and label each of them with a phoneme. Give the pupil a toy car and then shout out a word. They then need to drive the car into the correct garage, matching the word and sound it begins with. ( Thimble & Twig )

6. Word-based hopscotch. Use chalk to map out a course using words from the same family, e.g. mat, sat, cat, bat etc. Ask pupils hop across the course, they read aloud each word. Use more complicated vocabulary for more advanced children. ( 123HomeSchool4Me )

7. Use chalk to create an outdoor story map in the playground. Draw out 3-6 boxes and depict a story that has a beginning, middle and end. Use the prompts to retell the story out loud before they come to write it. ( Hope Education )

8. Make recipe cards using outdoor materials. Cook up a leaf casserole or mud pie and write up a list of instructions so everyone else knows how to make one too! ( Thimble & Twig )

9. A new season is a great opportunity to learn new vocabulary. Print out a vocab list and come back to it every so often, ticking off things they’ve seen that are related to that season. ( Twinkl )

10. Stay silent and listen! Ask the class to go out into nature and carefully listen to the sounds outside. Use the phonemes and graphemes collected and make some words. ( Hope Education )

11. Head outside and read. The great outdoors can open up the reading opportunities for children, enhancing their experience in a multi-sensory environment. Create a dedicated space for it. ( Pentagon Play )

12. Freeze various items in ice, then have the class melt and break into the ice to retrieve the items. As they do, ask them to read out the sounds of that object, and pair them with similar sounding items. ( Growing Book By Book )

13. Take a look at different things in the outdoors, like pinecones, tree stumps and leaves, and look for symmetrical patterns. Discuss it outdoors then take a picture and print them off later, using a mirror to check your theories. ( Buggy and Buddy)

14. Use chalk to make a number line, adjusting the numbers involved depending on the age of the class. Hand them some equations and use pebbles or small stones as counters to help them up and down the line. ( No Time For Flash Cards )

15. Use and angle-finder and ask pupils to find angles in nature or in the playground. Hand them some chalk and ask them to create their own on the playground, developing their knowledge of angles. ( Hope Education )

16. Practice things like number and place value using things found outdoors. Collect a bundle of 10 sticks to represent a whole, and see how 1 can represent a tenth of that. ( Play Of The Wild )

17. Make a human clock. Use sticks, chalk or stones to make the outside of a clock. Then ask your class to get in lay down, before stretching their arms and legs to resemble a time of the day. ( Educate Outside )

18. Let the class explore the great outdoors armed with a series of questions that need to be answered. For example, find a picnic table – how many legs has it got? How many legs would there be on 5 picnic tables? Increase the difficulty depending on the skill-level of your class. ( Third Space Learning )

19. Have a class scavenger hunt where pupils are challenged to collect a certain number of outdoor items. Then use them for multiplication, number bonds or 100 square activities. ( Hope Education )

20. Make a meter. Challenge the class to head outdoors and collect items, like sticks, rocks and pinecones, that make up a metre. Get them to estimate it first, then use a measuring stick to check their work. ( Play Of The Wild )

21. Maths and physical activity come together in the addition Olympics.

22. Head out to the road and safely conduct a car survey. Give pupils data collection challenges on the types of vehicles that pass by. Once you’ve collected the data, head inside and think of ways to visualise it. ( Third Space Learning )

23. Use sticks for measuring. Find sticks that are of different lengths, compare and order the lengths of different sticks, or use real-world measurements to see how long collected sticks are. ( Hope Education )

24.Collect a load of items from outdoors, like leaves and stones, then practice data handling by sorting and ordering them. Group leaves by colour or stones by shape. ( Creative Star Learning )

25. Create a quick and easy parachute, learning all about gravity and air resistance on the way. Use different materials, like cloth, plastic or paper, and see which can float the longest. ( Inspirational Laboratories )

26. Design a big light box. Take a cardboard box and some bottles of water and learn all about reflection with a light box. This activity doubles up nicely as an art project too. ( True Aim Education )

27. Learn all about the power of the sun using a pizza box and some foil! Make a DIY solar oven and make some scrumptious in the sun. A great excuse to get outside on a hot day. ( Little Bins For Little Hands )

28. Get creative and learn about the power of wind by designing some anemometers. Decorate some cups for an arty twist on this classic project for learning about wind. ( Education.com )

29. Study the sun, it’s relation to Earth and how that affects light with a human sundial experiment. Come back every day at a different time and draw the shadow a child projects in the playground. ( Scholastic )

30. Learn about temperature changes and insulation with a fun challenge with hot drinks. Make a mug of hot chocolate and leave it outside, coming back to it to read the change in temperature. ( Twinkl )

31. To be used during a walk in a park or large outdoor wooded area. Ask the class to guess which way north is. Show them the answer using a compass, then move on and do some walking. Make them guess again once you’ve made enough twists and turns to make it tough again. ( Go Science Kids )

32. Experiment with different materials and shapes to testing what floats and what sinks. Take a large container outside filled with water, then make small boats out of different materials (like paper, lollipos, foil, sponge etc). ( Primary Science Teaching Trust )

33. Dive into engineering with outdoor LEGO. Build a class water wheel, working to create solutions that stop or flow water in the direction you want it to. ( Frugal Fun For Boys and Girls )

34. Introduce the class to the complexities of climate science with an adapted game of dodgeball. Have two teams throw bean bags in an out of a circle as you replicate how greenhouse gases warm the planet. ( Learn through Landscapes )

35. Plant your own class garden. Plant some seeds and learn what it takes for a seed to blossom into a flower. Tie in some science learning about the growth of plants and the lifecycle. ( Little Bins For Little Hands )

36. Make gigantic bubbles. Those small bottles of bubbles and tiny wands are great for a bit of fun, but why not be a bit more…ambitious? Construct bigger wands and your own solution to see how big your class bubble can be! ( Scholastic )

37. Build a water bottle rocket. Learn all about some of the most fundamental laws of physics by building pressure inside a water bottle and watching it fly into the air. ( Science Sparks )

38. Join the world’s largest treasure hunt with Geocaching. Find exciting trinkets near you using a Geocaching app and learn all about GPS and navigation as you go. ( Geocaching )

39. Make your playground a museum for the day. Pick a topic, like how your grandparents used to play, then head online to research ideas. Bring them all together and step back in time as you head into the playground. ( Outdoor Classroom Day )

40. Coding hopscotch. Draw out a hopscotch course and have a coder write out algorithms that allow lay out instructions to get to the end of the course. ( Teach You Kids Code )

41. Go on a sound hunt. Make a list of sounds you think you might find outdoors, then go and find them. Record the sound so you can analyse it in class later. ( Artful Parent )

42. Take a coding robot outside and build it a small course, using items from nature as barriers and obstacles. Programme the robot to make it’s way through the maze. ( Hope Education )

43. Use an egg carton to teach algorithm and debugging. Used as a grid, the pupil must create a set of instructions that get a toy figure (like a piece of LEGO) from one side to the other whilst avoiding a set of mines or hot lava rocks along the way. ( Teach You Kids Code )

44. Learn how different factors affect the predictability of an event with scooter science (could be substituted for anyone that rolls). Line up at the start line and predict how far a scooter will travel in different scenarios (from different sized hills, with/without pushing etc). ( Science Sparks )

45. Practice if/then statements by following the teacher. Example: “If I walk sideways, then you walk forwards”. Make it more difficult as you go in this practicing of branching and conditional statements. ( Teach You Kids Code )

46. Make a stop action movie. Use a digital camera or smartphone and take pictures that can later be weaved together into a simple movie. ( Hands On As We Grow )

47. Focus on communication by going for an outdoor adventure using walkie talkies. Before you head out, set off some radio codes to help others discover locations or other communications. ( iSave A to Z )

48. Create a nature journal for each pupil. Have them take notes, make drawings or paintings or stick in things they’ve found in nature. Use these to inflame their love of the outdoors. ( Thimble & Twig )

49. Make a bee home. All you need is a small pot, straws and modelling clay to make the perfect little home for all those friendly bees. Place it in a green part of your school grounds and wait for them to move in. ( Hope Education )

50. Discover cartography and your local area with the creation and use of a map. Draw out and label your surroundings, using a compass to direct your path. ( Outdoor Classroom Day )

51. Build a bird feeder. Bird feeders are really simple to make, and they can kickstart your other outdoor projects too. Once they’re in place, observe what birds dive in for a tasty treat and kick them off a premade list. ( The Spruce Crafts )

52. Adapt the popular game of Bingo and bring it into the outdoors. Come up with your own game or download a template online that’s filled with different ideas. ( Twinkl )

53. Bring crafts and painting together by making your own nature paint brushes. Collect pieces of nature, like flowers and leaves, and tie them to small sticks to make all kinds of interesting brush strokes. ( Messy Little Monster )

54. Build a cardboard street. Make shops, banks and other buildings you see in your local town and allocate some to the class. Shoppers can use browse the high street and incorporate some maths by buying and selling items. ( Outdoor Classroom Day )

55. Use the outdoors for greater physical health in children. Play a game like freeze tig or capture the flag. Get the blood pumping and stretch those legs for all kinds of physical and mental health related benefits. ( Marathon Kids)

56. Go on a spot the creature adventure. Find a longlist of birds, butterflies and minibeasts and head out into a local nature reserve. Tick them off as you find them. ( Hope Education )

57. Bring the whole class closer together with some simple team building exercises. From tug of war to group a skipping rope challenge, there are plenty of ideas for using the outdoors to create a better bond between classmates. ( Unicef Kid Power )

Related Content:

• 14 fun outdoor maths activities
• 5 activities to teach phonics outdoors
• 6 ways to take literacy outside

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Step Up Your Outdoor Game with These Amazing Activities for Kids

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There are huge benefits to learning outdoors. This post is filled with outdoor activities for kids and outdoor classroom resources.

The natural curiosity of children combined with fresh air and hands-on experiences makes the outdoor classroom the most ideal learning environment.

Learn how to create an outdoor classroom , how to tackles the obstacles that come with learning outdoors, equip yourself with hundreds of activities for inspiration and execution, and create an amazing foundation with ample, well-vetted books lists I have curated for the outdoor environment.

Enjoy these outdoor activities & resources !

Benefits of Outdoor Classrooms

As Dr. Montessori asserted, a child discovers the world through the senses. The child’s brain sees, smells, hears, feels, and tastes more poignantly, thus helping the brain develop in ways not available to indoor learning.

Other examples of the benefits of outdoor learning include:

• more balance
• less anxiety
• better focus
• communication skills
• stronger immuse systems
• problem solving skills
• more connection with families
• better sense of duty & purpose

According to School A to Z out of Australia, “Studies have found that children  who don’t necessarily thrive in a traditional classroom (including  students  with ADHD) are more engaged and successful when they’re  learning  in a curriculum-based,  outdoor environment.”

Additionally, according to a study conducted by students at the University of Wisconsin at Steven’s Point , “Children greatly benefit developmentally from being outdoors. Outdoor education and play support emotional, behavioral and intellectual development. Studies have shown that students who learn outdoors develop: a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, decision-making and problem-solving skills, empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline and initiative.”

I highly recomennd this well researched article from The Greater Good in Berkeley . It sites various scientific studies indicating ths positive impact nature has on children and adults.

How to Create an Outdoor Classroom

Check out these ideas and resources on how to create your outdoor learning environment. Keep in mind a lot of creating an outdoor classroom is about cultivating a positive and excited mindset for you and the kids !

• How to Create an Outdoor Space for Your Montessori Environment
• Connecting Indoor and Outdoor Montessori Classrooms
• Create an Outdoor Classroom with these Books
• Create a Natural History Museum

“Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the mountains and the stars up above. Let them look at the beauty of the waters and the trees and flowers on earth. They will then begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education.” – David Polis

How to Guides for Outdoor Education

Learning outdoors sounds romantic. Then there are the tears and the whining. Not to mention the “bad weather”.  Here are a few ideas to tackles the obstacles of outdoor learning activities. My hope is that these ideas will help you reach success in your outdoor learning environment.

• The Best Tips for the Outdoor Classroom & How to Garden with Kids
• Steps to Make Outdoor Activities for Kids Fun & Not Frustrating
• Rainy Day Outdoor Tips & Tricks

Outdoor Learning Rules to Teach our Kids

• Learn the Vital Importance of Gross Motor Development
• Our Garden {Outdoor Classroom}
• Celebrating the Old with the New
• 4 Parenting Tips: Preparing Kids for Camping
• Gardening Tools for Kids
• Simple is Best {Nature’s Playground}
• Taking Montessori Outside Guides

Outdoor Activities for Kids

Peruse hundreds of outdoor learning activities for a wide range of ages and development.

• 12 Unique & Creative Activities with Seeds
• How to Get Kids to Eat Vegetables: Gardening Activity for Kids
• Creative Montessori Outdoor Language Activities Kids Love
• 12 Awesome Ways to Learn at a Construction Site
• Easy Nature Activity for Kids
• Outdoor Language Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers
• Sensorial – Outdoor Montessori Activities 
• Practical Life – Outdoor Montessori Activities
• 75+ Rock Star Ideas for the Montessori Outdoor Classroom
• Nature Sensory Bottle
• Nature Activities for Families
• Activities for Early Childhood Outdoor Education
• Art and Nature Activity for Kids
• Rock Activities for Kids
• Three Easy Ways to Explore Nature
• Parts of a Flower
• Nature’s Playground Activities
• Gardening with Kids {Make a Worm Tower}
• Make A Magic Seed Star
• How to Make an Easy DIY Newspaper Planter with Kids
• Six Nature Themed Math Activities
• Make Your Own Wild Kratts Creature Power Discs

Outdoor Education Book Lists

Books should be an integral piece of any learning environment. Below are several lists to inspire you and to make learning loads of fun. These books can all be applied to the outdoor classroom.

• Seeds – Children’s Books
• Ants – Children’s Books 
• Bears – Children’s Books 
• Rocks – Children’s Books 
• Summer Solstice Books for Kids
• Children’s Books about Seasons
• 5 Ways to Bring Storytelling to Life in Nature
• Celebrate Winter Outdoors with these Books
• Camping with Kids
• Celebrating Earth Day with Books
• 25+ Books that Inspire Gardening in Kids
• 5 Warm & Wonderful Winter Solstice Books for Kids
• The Best & Most Heartwarming Children’s Books about Winter

Ideas for Outdoor Learning

Outdoor Montessori Activities for Sensorial

Outdoor Montessori Activities for Practical Life

Outdoor Montessori Activities for Language

Outdoor Quotes for Learning & Playing

75+ Activity Ideas for Outdoor Learning with Kids

20+ Unique Outdoor Activities for Kids

How to Bring Outdoor Education to Montessori

How to Make Outdoor Activities for Kids Fun 

Easy & Creative Montessori Outdoor Language Activities 

10 Ways to Create an Outdoor Learning Space

How to Connect the Indoor & Outdoor Classrooms

The Best Tips for the Outdoor Classroom 

[Activity] How to Make a Worm Tower 

12+ Creative & Inexpensive Outdoor Activities for Toddlers

[Activity] Beautiful Art in the Outdoor Classroom

Ultimate List of Fun & Easy Outdoor Games for Kids

This post includes tons of outdoor games for kids!

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Outdoor learning ideas

Browse and download our free outdoor lesson ideas for every age and subject area.

Our outdoor learning ideas and activities have been developed by teachers and early years educators, and are ideal for both curriculum-led outdoor learning, Forest Kindergarten , and Forest School .

For further guidance related to outdoor learning and play, visit our blog or browse our publications .

ALL PRODUCTS

Fine Motor Stones

Use this early years activity to develop children's fine motor skills when using mark-making tools. This outdoor lesson idea enables ...

Coding Sticks

Use this primary computing activity to practise coding using sticks. This outdoor lesson idea allows children to explore writing algorithms, ...

Neolithic Dens

Use this primary history activity to support understanding of living in the Neolithic period. This outdoor lesson idea encourages pupils ...

Bubble Play

Use this early years science activity to have fun using different items to create bubbles in your grounds. This outdoor ...

Kandinsky Art Exhibition

Use this primary art activity to produce a large Kandinsky style exhibition on your playground. This outdoor lesson idea will ...

Name Writing

Use this early years literacy and language activity to practise recognising names and the sounds within them. This outdoor lesson ...

Animal Senses: Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing

Use this primary science activity to explore how animals use their sense of smell to identify each other. This fun ...

Nature Bingo

Use this play activity to explore and learn more about your outside space. This outdoor lesson idea will improve vocabulary ...

Portraits inspired by Arcimboldo

Use this primary art and design activity to explore the work of famous artist Arcimboldo. This outdoor lesson idea uses ...

Writing for different audiences

Use this secondary language activity to explore the importance of structuring writing for a specific audience and purpose. This outdoor ...

Muddy Mark Making

Use this early years creative activity to use natural materials to make large scale marks. This outdoor lesson idea will ...

How Hot is it Here?

Use this secondary science activity to explore different temperatures around your school grounds. This outdoor lesson idea explores the impact ...

Showing 1–12 of 159 results

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30 Fun Outdoor Educational Activities: Nature Outdoor Learning Activities for Kids

There are various Outdoor Educational Activities that can be done outdoors, catering to different interests and age groups.

Engaging kids in outdoor learning activities is a wonderful way to promote their overall development.

It allows them to explore the wonders of nature while having fun and expanding their knowledge.

Let us delve into some exciting outdoor learning ideas, keep reading to find out 30 Fun Outdoor Educational Activities!

You might also like :

• Daycare Art Projects
• Preschool Art Projects
• Kindergarten Art Projects
• 1st Grade Art Projects
• 2nd Grade Art Projects
• 3rd Grade Art Projects
• 5th Grade Art Projects
• 6th Grade Art Project
• 7th Grade Art Projects
• Ice Cream Art Project
• Fun Craft Projects for Kids

What are Outdoor Educational Activities?

Outdoor educational activities are hands-on learning experiences that take place in an outdoor setting, allowing students to interact with and learn from the natural environment.

30 Best Outdoor Educational Activities

Step outside the traditional classroom and breathe in the fresh air!

Dive into our curated list of the 30 Best Outdoor Educational Activities, where nature becomes the ultimate teacher and the world around us, the perfect classroom.

Ready to turn every leaf and stone into a learning opportunity?

1. Nature Scavenger Hunt

A nature scavenger hunt is a fantastic way for kids to engage with the environment around them.

Provide them with a list of items to find, such as a pinecone, a feather, or a specific flower.

As they search, they’ll become more observant and learn to identify various natural elements.

• Enhances observational skills.
• Encourages physical activity.
• Introduces kids to different elements of nature.

2. Leaf Rubbing Art

Collecting different leaves and using them to create art is both fun and educational.

Place a leaf under a piece of paper and use crayons or colored pencils to rub over the top.

The intricate designs and patterns of the leaves will be revealed.

• Teaches kids about the variety of leaf patterns and types.
• Encourages creativity.
• Provides a hands-on tactile experience.

3. DIY Weather Station

Setting up a DIY weather station can be a great way to teach kids about meteorology.

Using simple tools like a rain gauge, anemometer, and thermometer, kids can record daily weather conditions and learn about climate patterns.

• Introduces kids to basic meteorological concepts.
• Encourages data collection and analysis.
• Provides a hands-on approach to learning about the environment.

4. Bird Watching

Equip kids with binoculars and a bird guidebook and set them on a mission to spot and identify as many birds as they can.

This activity not only teaches them about different bird species but also instills patience and attentiveness.

• Introduces kids to various bird species.
• Encourages patience and focus.

5. Planting a Garden

Whether it’s a flower garden or a vegetable patch, gardening is a wonderful way for kids to connect with nature.

They can learn about different plant species, understand the growth process, and even enjoy the fruits (or vegetables) of their labor.

• Teaches responsibility and patience.
• Introduces kids to botany and the growth cycle.
• Encourages healthy eating habits if growing vegetables.

6. Nature Journaling

Provide kids with a notebook where they can jot down their observations, draw what they see, and even press flowers or leaves.

Over time, this journal becomes a beautiful record of their outdoor adventures and learnings.

• Enhances observational and reflection skills.
• Encourages creativity through drawing and writing.
• Provides a keepsake of their outdoor experiences.

7. Rock Painting

Collecting smooth stones and painting them can be both therapeutic and educational.

Kids can be encouraged to paint what they see around them or use their imagination to create vibrant designs.

• Encourages creativity and artistic expression.
• Teaches kids about different rock types and textures.

8. Star Gazing

On a clear night, lay out a blanket and gaze up at the stars.

Using a telescope or even a simple star chart, kids can learn to identify different constellations and planets.

• Introduces kids to astronomy.
• Provides a sense of wonder and curiosity about the universe.

9. Nature Photography

Equip kids with a camera and let them capture the beauty of nature.

This activity not only hones their photography skills but also teaches them to see the world from different perspectives.

• Enhances observational and focus skills.
• Introduces kids to the art of photography.
• Encourages appreciation for nature’s beauty.

10. Building a Bug Hotel

Using twigs, leaves, and other natural materials, kids can build a bug hotel to observe and learn about various insects.

This provides them with a close-up view of the insect world and its intricacies.

• Teaches kids about different insect species.
• Encourages creativity and problem-solving.

11. Nature Shadow Art

Using the sun’s rays, kids can create beautiful art pieces by placing objects like leaves, flowers, or even toys on a sun-sensitive paper.

After a few hours, the areas covered by the objects remain white while the exposed parts turn blue, creating a stunning silhouette effect.

• Introduces kids to the concept of light and shadow.
• Encourages creativity and experimentation.
• Provides a unique way to interact with natural elements.

12. Tree Bark Rubbings

Much like leaf rubbings, tree bark rubbings allow kids to explore the different textures and patterns of various trees.

By placing a paper over the bark and rubbing with crayons, they can capture the unique imprints of each tree.

• Enhances tactile and observational skills.
• Introduces kids to different tree species.
• Encourages appreciation for nature’s diversity.

13. DIY Sundial

Teach kids about time and the movement of the sun with a DIY sundial.

Using a stick and some stones, they can observe the shadow’s movement and learn how the sun’s position in the sky indicates different times of the day.

• Introduces kids to basic astronomy and time-telling.
• Encourages observational skills.
• Provides a hands-on approach to understanding the sun’s movement.

14. Nature Potions

Let kids collect natural materials like flowers, leaves, and mud to create their “potions.”

This imaginative play activity not only allows them to explore different natural elements but also encourages them to use their senses to observe textures, colors, and scents.

• Enhances sensory and observational skills.
• Encourages imaginative play.
• Provides a hands-on experience with various natural elements.

15. DIY Nature Wind Chimes

Using items like sticks, leaves, and pinecones, kids can create their wind chimes.

This activity not only teaches them about sound and music but also allows them to appreciate the beauty of natural materials.

• Introduces kids to the concept of sound and music.
• Encourages creativity and craftsmanship.
• Provides a unique way to interact with nature.

16. Nature Weaving

Set up a simple loom using sticks and let kids weave in natural materials like grass, flowers, and leaves.

This activity not only enhances their fine motor skills but also introduces them to the art of weaving.

• Enhances fine motor skills.
• Introduces kids to the traditional art of weaving.
• Encourages creativity and pattern recognition.

17. Rock Balancing

Teach kids the art of patience and balance by letting them stack and balance rocks of different shapes and sizes.

This meditative activity not only calms the mind but also enhances focus and concentration.

• Enhances focus and concentration.
• Teaches patience and perseverance.
• Provides a hands-on approach to understanding balance.

18. DIY Nature Kaleidoscope

Using a cardboard tube, mirrors, and natural materials, kids can create their kaleidoscope.

This activity introduces them to the concept of reflection and symmetry in a fun and interactive way.

• Introduces kids to the concepts of reflection and symmetry.
• Provides a unique visual experience.

19. Nature-inspired Storytelling

Let kids collect different natural elements and use them as props for storytelling.

This activity not only enhances their language and narrative skills but also encourages them to see stories in everything around them.

• Enhances language and narrative skills.
• Encourages imaginative play and creativity.

20. DIY Nature Bracelets

Using tape or string, kids can create bracelets and adorn them with natural materials they find, like flowers, leaves, or small stones.

This activity not only allows them to wear their art but also introduces them to basic jewelry-making.

• Introduces kids to basic jewelry-making.

21. Bird Watching and Journaling

Equip kids with binoculars and a journal to observe and document the various bird species they encounter.

They can sketch the birds, note their colors, sounds, and behaviors, providing a comprehensive bird-watching experience.

• Enhances observational and documentation skills.

22. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of natural items for kids to find, such as a pinecone, a feather, or a specific flower.

As they search and collect these items, they’ll become more attuned to their surroundings and the diversity of nature.

• Encourages exploration and discovery.
• Provides a fun and interactive way to learn about nature.

23. DIY Leaf Pressing

Collecting and pressing leaves allows kids to preserve the beauty of nature.

They can later use these pressed leaves for art projects or simply to create a nature journal.

• Introduces kids to the preservation of natural elements.
• Enhances patience and attention to detail.

24. Nature-inspired Tie-Dye

Using natural dyes from berries, turmeric, or beetroot, kids can create their tie-dye fabrics.

This activity not only introduces them to the art of dyeing but also to the colors present in nature.

• Introduces kids to natural dye sources.
• Enhances creativity and pattern recognition.
• Provides a hands-on experience with color.

25. DIY Nature Mosaics

Using small pebbles, leaves, twigs, and other natural materials, kids can create beautiful mosaics on the ground or on a piece of cardboard.

This activity allows them to play with shapes, colors, and textures in a unique way.

• Enhances spatial awareness and pattern recognition.
• Encourages creativity and design thinking.
• Provides a unique tactile experience.

26. Nature Sound Map

Equip kids with a piece of paper and crayons or markers.

Have them sit quietly in a natural setting and draw a map of where they hear various sounds, such as bird songs, rustling leaves, or distant water.

• Enhances listening skills and auditory awareness.
• Encourages mindfulness and presence.
• Introduces kids to the sounds of nature.

27. DIY Natural Paintbrushes

Using twigs as handles and attaching leaves, pine needles, or grass, kids can create their paintbrushes.

They can then experiment with these brushes, observing the different strokes and patterns they produce.

• Provides a unique painting experience.

28. Nature’s Perfume Lab

Let kids collect flowers, leaves, and herbs to create their natural perfumes.

Using water and these natural elements, they can concoct fragrant potions, learning about the scents of various plants.

• Enhances sensory skills, especially the sense of smell.
• Introduces kids to the fragrances of different plants.
• Encourages experimentation and discovery.

29. DIY Nature Suncatchers

Using two pieces of contact paper, kids can sandwich collected leaves, flowers, and other translucent natural materials to create beautiful suncatchers to hang in windows.

• Provides a unique way to interact with light.

30. Nature-inspired Poetry

Inspire kids to sit in nature and pen down their feelings, observations, and thoughts in the form of poetry.

Outdoor Educational Activities not only enhances their language skills but also their emotional connection to the environment.

• Enhances language and expressive skills.
• Encourages emotional expression and connection.

These activities are designed to immerse kids in nature, helping them appreciate its beauty, learn from it, and foster a deeper connection with the environment. 

Kids Outdoor Educational Activities

Step aside, indoor monotony! The great outdoors is calling, and it’s not just for playtime.

Dive into the world of Kids Outdoor Educational Activities, where learning meets sunlight, and every pebble and leaf has a lesson to teach.

Ready to turn nature into the coolest classroom ever?

• Interactive Exploration: Encourages kids to observe their surroundings keenly, drawing parallels between the…
• Educational Adventure: In collaboration with National Geographic, these creative kids games seamlessly blend fun…
• Amazing Gift For Any Boy or Girl: Scavenger hunt games are simple and make it the perfect gift for any occasion….
• Durable Components: Manufactured by Underdog Games, a name synonymous with quality, the game pieces are crafted to…

• Kids, Surviving The (Author)
• English (Publication Language)
• 101 Pages – 03/26/2023 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)

• Our Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt is a fun activity game for the whole family to play both indoor and outdoor.
• This set includes 35 Find and Seek cards, 2 instruction cards, and 1 drawstring bag making this game perfect for…
• Find and Seek Scavenger Hunt is for ages 3 years and up. Even non readers can play by picture recognition.
• Discover nature and the world around you with this exciting game. We’ve included instructions for you to play Find…

• Fun Bean Bag Toss Game Set: Our Rocket-themed toss game set comes with a nice gift box. Included 1 bracket, 8 bean…
• Ideal Gift for Kids: This outdoor toy is great for toddlers to play independently, helping them improve their…
• Perfect for All Ages: This set of fun outside family games provides hours of entertainment. Whether playing…
• Easy Setup the Target: It took less than 5 minutes from unpacking to playtime. Our high-quality PP pipe and…

• SCAVENGER HUNT – Designed for the littlest adventurers, this interactive game by LMC Products combines the…
• EDUCATIONAL FUN – With 39 card designs, kids will discover new objects, colors, textures, shapes, words, and more…
• HIGH-QUALITY – Each of our 20 cards has a thick design to withstand the tests of time. A detachable ring allows you…
• OUR PROMISE – The happiness of you and your family is our #1 priority! Please reach out to us directly if you have…

• Andrews, Kim (Author)
• 134 Pages – 05/28/2019 (Publication Date) – Callisto Kids (Publisher)

• Complete Outdoor Adventure Toys Kit – This exciting kids exploration kit for girls and boys is suitable as…
• Interactive and Educational Early Learning – Teach kids to read maps and explore the world with nature toys that…
• Explore, Watch Birds, and Have Fun – Along with bugs catcher this is a great bird watching kit for kids because…
• Observe and Study Insects Safely – Our outdoor explorer kit comes with kid camping accessories that help them…

• PLAY 5 SUPER FUN SEEK & MATCH GAMES – Kids seek and match objects in the world to the words on the 40 jumbo cards!…
• LEARN & PLAY WITH FRIENDS – This scavenger hunt game is a great way for toddlers and young children to learn…
• 40 JUMBO CARDS & 5 GAME MODES – Kids can play 5 different game modes with the 40 jumbo cards! From a standard…
• GREAT FOR INDOOR & OUTDOOR PLAY – The words on each card apply to objects kids can find indoors or outside, so it’s…

• Soft Bowling – This bowling set was made by high grade foam material. Please play under adult supervision.
• Toy Deals – Lightweight bowling ball toys, comes with 10 foam pins and 2 foam bowling balls. It is easy for little…
• Safe to Play – Specific foam design is safe for children to play with. Great for toddlers and preschoolers, can be…
• Indoor Play – It is suitable to play indoor or room. Promotes gross motor skills, balance, and hand-eye…

• Superior Plastic: Liberry kids bowling ball set is made of high-quality plastic materials. Our plastic bowling…
• Educational Toys: Toy bowling sets for kids help in developing gross motor skills, spatial awareness, hand-eye…
• Better Size: Most kids bowling sets sold on market offer 7-inch bowling pins. Our kid bowling set (0.11 lb) has…
• Activity Equipment: Kids’ bowling sets offer comprehensive interactive play between children and are excellent for…

How to Make a DIY Sundial

The DIY Sundial is a hands-on project that teaches kids about the concept of time using the sun's position. By planting a stick in a sunny spot and marking the end of its shadow hourly with stones, a circle of time markers is created. This not only educates children about the movement of the sun but also provides a practical tool to tell time the next day.

A flat, horizontal surface that gets plenty of sunlight.

A straight stick about 12 inches long.

A watch or clock to calibrate your sundial.

Small stones or markers.

Instructions

Step 1: gather materials.

You'll need:

Step 2: Find the Perfect Spot

Choose a sunny spot in your yard or park. The area should receive sunlight for a good portion of the day.

Step 3: Plant the Stick

Push the stick into the ground or playdough (if using a hard surface) so it stands upright.

Step 4: Calibrate Your Sundial

Using your watch or clock, place a stone or marker at the end of the stick's shadow to represent the current hour.

Step 5: Track Time

As the day progresses, the shadow will move. Every hour, place another stone or marker at the end of the shadow. By the end of the day, you'll have a circle of markers showing the hours.

Step 6: Interpret Your Sundial

The next day, you can use your sundial to tell the time by seeing which marker the shadow is closest to.

Did you create this craft? If so, we would love to hear from you! Please feel free to leave a comment on the blog or share a photo of your creation on Pinterest.

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What are outdoor learning activities?

Outdoor learning activities are educational tasks or exercises that are conducted outside, often in nature, to enhance learning experiences and connect learners with the environment.

Exploring Nature through Outdoor Classroom Ideas

• Outdoor classrooms provide a unique learning environment where kids can connect with nature while engaging in educational activities.
• These spaces can be set up in school gardens, parks, or any open area.
• In an outdoor classroom, children can learn about various subjects such as science, math, and literature through hands-on experiences.

Engaging Kids in Nature Scavenger Hunt

• A nature scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to encourage children to explore the natural world around them.
• By providing them with a list of items to find, they can learn about different plants, animals, and natural materials.
• This activity promotes observation skills, problem-solving, and teamwork among participants.

Creating Nature Art with Natural Materials

• Nature art allows children to unleash their creativity while using natural materials found in their surroundings.
• TOutdoor Educational Activities can involve making leaf rubbings, creating sculptures with sticks and rocks, or making nature-inspired collages.
• It encourages children to appreciate the beauty of nature and develop their artistic skills.

How to Make a Nature Scavenger Hunt

The Nature Scavenger Hunt is an engaging outdoor activity where kids are given a list of natural items to find. Tailored to the local environment, participants explore their surroundings, collecting items like pinecones, feathers, and stones. This activity promotes respect for nature, sharpens observational skills, and offers a platform for kids to learn about various natural elements.

A printed or handwritten list of items to find.

A small bag or container for each participant.

A pencil or pen to check off items as they're found.

Step 1: Preparation

Before you head out, create a list of items commonly found in nature. This could include things like a pinecone, a feather, a smooth stone, etc. Depending on where you live, tailor the list to your environment.

Step 2: Gather Materials

Step 3: set the rules.

Explain to the kids that they need to find as many items on the list as they can. Remind them to be respectful of nature and not to pick plants or disturb animals.

Step 4: Start the Hunt

Head outside and let the kids start exploring. This activity not only allows kids to connect with nature but also sharpens their observation skills.

Step 5: Review and Share

Once everyone is back, gather around and share what you've found. This is a great opportunity for kids to learn about different natural items and their significance.

What are the 3 categories of outdoor activity?

The three primary categories of outdoor activities are recreational activities, adventure activities, and conservation activities.

Three Primary Categories of Outdoor Activities

The three primary categories of outdoor activities are:

• Recreational Activities: These are activities that people engage in for relaxation, enjoyment, and leisure. Examples include hiking, picnicking, bird-watching, and camping.
• Adventure Activities: These are more challenging and often involve an element of risk. They require specific skills, equipment, and often training. Examples include rock climbing, white-water rafting, paragliding, and mountain biking.
• Conservation Activities: These Outdoor Educational Activities focus on preserving and understanding the natural environment. They include tree planting, wildlife observation, trail maintenance, and participating in conservation projects.

How can outdoor activities help kids learn?

Outdoor activities provide kids with a multisensory learning experience, fostering curiosity, enhancing physical well-being, and promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills through real-world interactions.

Enhancing Education with Outdoor Science Experiments

• Outdoor science experiments provide a hands-on approach to learning scientific concepts.
• Children can explore concepts such as plant growth, weather patterns, and animal habitats through experiments conducted outside.
• This helps them understand and connect theories with real-world experiences.

Encouraging Nature Study through Journaling

• Nature journaling allows children to observe and document their experiences in nature.
• They can sketch the flora and fauna they come across, write about their observations, and reflect on their outdoor adventures.
• Nature journaling promotes literacy skills, scientific inquiry, and a deeper understanding of the natural world.

Boosting Creativity with Sidewalk Chalk Activities

• Using sidewalk chalk, children can create colorful outdoor artwork on pavements or sidewalks.
• Outdoor Educational Activities encourages self-expression, imagination, and fine motor skills.
• Kids can draw pictures, hopscotch games, or write messages, adding a touch of creativity to their outdoor playtime.

Why are outdoor learning activities important?

Outdoor learning activities are important because they offer a holistic approach to education, promoting physical, emotional, and cognitive development while fostering a deeper connection and appreciation for the environment.

Developing a Love for the Great Outdoors

• Engaging children in outdoor learning activities helps them develop a love and appreciation for the great outdoors.
• It allows them to form a deeper connection with nature and understand its importance in their lives.
• By spending time outside, children are more likely to develop a sense of environmental responsibility.

Fostering Environmental Awareness and Appreciation

• Outdoor learning activities expose children to the wonders of the natural world and the importance of conservation.
• By participating in activities such as nature scavenger hunts and outdoor science experiments, kids learn about the need to protect and preserve the environment.
• This fosters a sense of environmental awareness and appreciation.

Connecting with Nature for Mental and Physical Well-being

• Spending time outdoors has numerous mental and physical health benefits for children.
• It allows them to engage in physical activity, breathe fresh air, and soak up Vitamin D from the sun.
• Outdoor playtime also promotes social interaction, reduces stress, and enhances overall well-being.

What are some fun outdoor learning activities for kids of all ages?

Some fun outdoor learning activities include nature scavenger hunts, gardening projects, star gazing, bird watching, and nature journaling.

Organizing a Scavenger Hunt with an Educational Twist

• Put a educational twist on traditional scavenger hunts by incorporating learning objectives.
• For example, instead of simply searching for items, kids can be asked to find specific plants or insects, and then learn about them afterwards.
• This adds an extra layer of educational value to this Outdoor Educational Activities.

Exploring STEAM Activities in Nature

• STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities can be taken outdoors to create a hands-on learning experience.
• Children can build structures with sticks and rocks, observe the behavior of animals, or investigate the effects of natural forces.
• These activities promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

Creating Art Projects Inspired by the Outdoors

• Encourage children to express themselves through art by creating outdoor-themed projects.
• They can create nature-inspired paintings, make collages using leaves and flowers, or design natural material sculptures.
• These artistic activities allow kids to connect with nature while developing their fine motor skills and creativity.

Where can you find more ideas for outdoor education?

More ideas for outdoor education can be found in educational books, nature centers, environmental education programs, and online resources dedicated to outdoor learning.

How to Discover Teaching Ideas from Education World?

Education World is a valuable resource for teachers and parents seeking ideas for outdoor education activities.

It offers a wide range of articles and lesson plans that can be adapted for different age groups and educational goals.

How can you Explore Related Content for Outdoor Learning?

There are numerous websites and blogs dedicated to outdoor learning and nature-based education.

Exploring these sources can provide inspiration and ideas for a variety of outdoor educational activities.

How to Engage with Nature through Fun Learning Resources?

There are many books, activity guides, and online resources available that provide ideas for fun outdoor learning activities.

These Outdoor Educational Activities resources often include step-by-step instructions, suggested materials, and learning objectives, making it easy to implement engaging outdoor educational experiences for children.

How can you incorporate a scavenger hunt into an outdoor classroom?

Incorporating a scavenger hunt into an outdoor classroom is a fantastic way to get kids excited about learning outside.

By creating a list of outdoor items or clues, kids will love the challenge of finding each item, turning the experience into a fun game they won’t even realize is educational.

What are some nature activity ideas for kids?

Nature activity ideas for kids range from simple outdoor explorations like observing changing seasons, collecting natural items, to more structured activities like keeping a nature journal.

These Outdoor Educational Activities help kids practice observation skills and appreciate the beauty of the world around them.

How can you combine art with a nature scavenger hunt?

Combining art with a nature scavenger hunt involves asking students to find natural objects and then use them in art projects.

For instance, kids can make nature imprints with clay or create beautiful nature collages, turning their finds into a sensory activity.

What related content can enhance outdoor activities for kids?

Printable outdoor worksheets, seasonal changes observations, and nature journals can enhance outdoor activities for kids. These tools give your students structured ways to document their discoveries and reflect on their experiences.

How can sidewalk chalk be used for learning ideas?

Sidewalk chalk can be used for a range of learning activities, from drawing the lifecycle of a butterfly to practicing sight words.

It’s a classic outdoor tool that provides hours of fun and is always a favorite with kids.

How does the education world utilize nature journals?

In the education world, nature journals are used to get students to observe, document, and reflect on the natural world.

They can sketch plants, animals, or write about their outdoor experiences, enhancing their connection to nature.

How can you integrate outdoor science with nature study?

Outdoor science activities, like observing the life in a bucket of water or setting up a simple weather station, can be integrated with nature study.

This combination allows kids to practice scientific observation while also appreciating the beauty of nature.

What are some teaching ideas that incorporate steam activities?

Outdoor STEAM activities can include building an obstacle course to understand physics, gardening to learn about biology, or creating nature art to explore the intersection of science and creativity.

These activities help in developing kids’ problem-solving abilities.

What are some popular outdoor art projects?

Popular outdoor art projects include making sun prints, creating art with natural objects, or even drawing with sticks in the mud.

These activities not only get kids outside but also let their creativity flow in a natural setting.

How can you combine outdoor science activities with memory games?

You can create memory games where students have to match pairs of leaves, rocks, or other natural items.

This not only tests their memory but also their observational skills, making it a fun and educational outdoor activity.

How can kids learn about nature through outdoor art?

Kids can learn about nature through outdoor art by using natural items as art materials, observing and drawing the environment around them, or even creating sculptures from found objects.

This hands-on approach is a beautiful way to connect art and nature.

How can natural objects be used in nature studies?

Natural objects can be used in nature studies by having students observe them, draw them, or even use them in experiments.

For instance, studying the properties of different rocks or observing the patterns on leaves can provide valuable learning experiences.

How can you make a nature-inspired leaf rubbing?

To make a nature-inspired leaf rubbing, place a leaf under a piece of paper and gently rub a crayon or pencil over the top.

This simple Outdoor Educational Activities is a favorite with kids as they can capture the intricate details of leaves and appreciate their beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Fun Outdoor Educational Activities. Get some quick answers to everything you need to know.

What is an example of outdoor learning?

An example of outdoor learning is a class trip to a botanical garden where students study plant life, ecosystems, and biodiversity firsthand.

What activities do students do outside of school?

Outside of school, students engage in various activities such as playing sports, hiking, attending clubs or workshops, visiting museums, and participating in community service projects.

What are outdoor activities or activity?

Outdoor activities refer to any recreational, educational, or physical activities that take place outside, such as hiking, camping, fishing, or bird-watching.

What are some fun outdoor activities for youth?

Some fun outdoor activities for youth include rock climbing, kayaking, geocaching, zip-lining, and participating in team-building exercises at adventure camps.

What are examples of outdoor activities?

Examples of outdoor activities include trekking, swimming, cycling, picnicking, and wildlife photography.

What are the five outdoor activities?

Five popular outdoor activities are hiking, camping, fishing, biking, and kayaking.

What are examples of outdoor and adventurous activities?

Examples of outdoor and adventurous activities include mountain climbing, white-water rafting, paragliding, scuba diving, and spelunking (cave exploration).

Wrapping Up Outdoor Educational Activities

From the rustling leaves to the vibrant flowers, every nature activity for kids we’ve explored offers a unique learning experience.

• Whether it’s the joy of watching kids create art from natural materials,
• The thrill of outdoor play, or the myriad of activities to help them connect with the outdoor nature around them,
• There’s no shortage of easy outdoor adventures to embark upon.
• If you’re looking for Outdoor Educational Activities that prompt kids to jump with excitement,
• Our collection of outdoor learning activities is a treasure trove.
• From the vast landscapes of the U.S. to your backyard.
• These are some of the best outdoor activities that encourage students to keep their five senses alert.
• They’ll find fun in nature, dive into STEM activities, and even bring their learnings home or school.
• So, the next time they make a nature craft or use the nature around them for a project, watch their eyes light up.

They’ll love playing, working, and even gardening as they learn. And as they close their eyes and listen to the sounds of nature, you’ll know you’re not just getting them outside but opening their minds to a world of discovery.

If you enjoyed this article about Outdoor Educational Activities and would like to learn more, please leave a comment below.

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11 Outdoor Learning Activities for 3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Students

A change of scenery - especially when it involves learning outside - is a great way to reengage your 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students.

Below, find 11 different example activities for taking your classroom outdoors!  All of the activities are educational - you will find ideas for taking ELA lessons, math lessons, and science lessons outside.

I sometimes recommend a resource that can be found on Amazon.  These links are affiliate links - should you choose to buy, I might get a small compensation at no cost to you.

Outdoor ELA Activity Ideas

 1. vocabulary review with chalk,  2. let nature inspire student writing.

Give each student a writing journal, go outside, and have them write!  You could let students free write or give them nature specific writing prompts:

• Tell a story from an ant's point of view
• Describe something you see outside using all 5 of your senses
• Describe the weather
• Write similes about a tree, the sun, an insect, etc.

Being outdoors can also inspire poetry writing!  Have your students write a haiku about their experience outside.  You can use this No Prep Haiku Packet to help.  It teaches students about haiku, provides plenty of examples, and has templates to scaffold their own writing.

 3. Go On A Parts of Speech Scavenger Hunt

Have students head outside with a clipboard, a sheet of paper, and something to write with.  Take a walk through the neighborhood together, or let students simply explore the playground.

As they explore, have students list nouns that they see, and then list adjectives that describe those nouns.  Then, have them list verbs inspired by what they see, and adverbs that could describe those verbs.

If your students have not yet been introduced to parts of speech or need a review, this mostly no prep Parts of Speech Resource might help.

 4. Read Outside

Never underestimate the power of a change of scenery!  Have students do their independent reading outside - or let them relax and enjoy a good read aloud. The Great Kapok Tree makes a great read aloud for Earth Day - and these questions and activity ideas can help make lesson planning easier. 

These teacher recommended chapter books are a great read aloud option, or choose one of these books about showing kindness and empathy. 

 5. Go on an ABC word hunt

Save yourself some time, stress, and over 40% those first weeks of school with this back to school bundle. It includes:

• No Prep Emergency Sub Plans
• No Prep Beginning of the Year Fun Packet
• A Classroom Procedure Review Activity
• An Interview a Friend Activity
• What I Wish My Teacher Knew About Me
• Back to School Ice Breakers & Writing Prompts
• Classroom Procedures Checklist

Outdoor Math Activity Ideas for Upper Elementary

 6. measurement activities.

There are endless outdoor measurement opportunities.  You could:

• Find the perimeter and area of different objects like garden beds, blacktop courts, fenced in areas, etc.  ( measuring tape might work better than a ruler)
• Measure the length and height of different objects in the playground
• Use chalk to draw lines of a certain length
• Measure the length of your shadows
• Find the circumference of different trees

 7. Equations With Nature

 8. math hopscotch.

Teacher Amanda Anderson has her students create multiple hopscotch courts with different numbers.  Each court focuses on a different math skill, like:

• even/odd numbers
• finding products, sums, or differences

Students spend a little time at each hopscotch court to review a variety of math skills!

 9. Math Races

Get a set of cones and write numbers on them.  The numbers you will write will depend on what skill you want to practice - see the ideas below for reference.

Spread the cones out around the blacktop or playground, and then split your classroom into small groups.  Have groups work together to grab as many numbers of a certain type as you can.  The team with the most correct cones wins!

You could have students grab cones that:

• are greater than or less than a certain number
• add up to a certain number (let them use multiple addends!)
• are factors of a certain number
• are multiples of a certain number
• are even/odd
• are prime numbers
• put numbers together to form large numbers
• make a pattern

The possibilities with this are endless as well!  If you want, you could set this up more like a relay race.

 10. Go on a Geometry Scavenger Hunt

Take 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students outside and assign them the task of finding:

• different 2d or 3d shapes
• objects with certain angles (obtuse, acute, right angles)
• parallel and intersecting lines
• objects with lines of symmetry
• patterns in nature

Outdoor Science Ideas

11. trout in the classroom.

A teacher that wished to remain anonymous shared this amazing national program with me.  Trout in the Classroom has all sorts of resources, free lesson plans, and more to help your students connect more with nature while learning.

Below, see some students enjoying a Trout in the Classroom lesson and exploring insects.  Watch more about the program here.

12. Camouflage Caterpillars

13. compost with your students.

Teacher Annemarie Holmyard composts with her students and shared this idea with me.  

Students can read articles explaining what composting is, weigh food waste and graph results, journal about the process, learn the benefits of recycling food waste, and more.  This lesson plan that includes a reading passage might help you with the process.

14. Build a Nest

15. grow plants, 16. playground physics, never stress over sub plans again.

Make copies, find a fiction book, and you'll be ready for any emergency that comes your way!

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44 Preschool Outdoor Learning Ideas

July 3, 2018 by Sheryl Cooper

Last Updated on August 12, 2024 by Sheryl Cooper

Inside: Here are 44 super fun preschool outdoor learning ideas that will encourage hands-on exploration and fun. Everything from sensory to literacy to science and much more!

You’ve planned your learning activities for the classroom or home , but it’s just too nice outside to be indoors. What to do? Take learning outdoors! I’ve put together 44 preschool learning activities that are perfect for the outdoors.

Letter hunts.

Science with nature.

Lose the 4 walls and the ceiling and get outdoors with this fun collection!

Related posts:

15 Fun Outdoor Games for Preschoolers

18 Outdoor Art Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Outdoor Activities that Can Be Done in a Small Space

• Paint with Bubbles : Whip up a batch of vibrant bubble paint and make prints.
• Outdoor Canvas Painting : Collect flower petals and add them to a watercolor canvas art activity.
• Water Spray Alphabet Hunt : Work on letter recognition or letter sounds with water and a spray bottle! (Mom Inspired Life)
• ABC Excavation Sensory Bin : Fill ice trays with ABC beads and freeze for a fun letter exploration activity. (Parenting Chaos)
• Garden ABC Hunt : Get outside and enjoy some fresh air while practicing letter recognition. (Fantastic Fun and Learning)
• Alphabet Ice Boats : Match the letters on the boats as the ice starts to melt. (School time Snippets)

• Alphabet Game with Water Balloons : Pop the balloons and match the letters to the objects. (Teaching Mama)
• Color Hunt : Print out the free color scavenger hunt page and look for those colors in nature. (Buggy and Buddy)
• Fizzy Fine Motor ABC’s : Here’s a fun way to cool down while working on letter recognition. (Parenting Chaos)
• Architecture Letter Scavenger Hunt : Go on a hunt to see how different buildings and items look like letters. (KC Edventures)
• Name Writing Nature Hunt : Spell your name using materials that are found on a nature hunt. (Adventure in a Box)
• Parachute Man Alphabet Activity : Drop the parachute man and identify the letter he landed on. (Play Teach Repeat)

• Little Bo Peep Name Hunt Game : A fun way to work on learning the letters in your name! (Messy Little Monster)
• Garden Frame Ten Frame : Use common weeds and a few sticks to work on counting to 10. (Rainy Day Mum)
• Measuring Mother Nature : Take a ruler on your walk and measure the natural objects you find along the way. (Mother Natured)
• Water Race to Learn Letters and Numbers:  Toddlers and preschoolers can race to learn letters, work on letter sounds, and practice counting and number recognition. (Inspiration Laboratories)
• A Rock-In’ Scavenger Hunt : Spell out simple words while finding rocks with letters written on them. (How Wee Learn)
• Take a Listening Walk Outdoors : Document what you hear while taking a nature walk. (Fantastic Fun and Learning)

• Sorting Seashells : Collect seashells and sort by shape and color. (Playground Parkbench)
• Playdough Nature Walk : Make imprints with leaves, acorns, rocks, tree stumps – whatever you find along the way! (How Wee Learn)
• Learn about Biodegradable Materials : Go on a walk and notice the different stages of decomposition. (Mother Natured)
• Rock Balancing STEAM Activity : Combine the science of gravity, basic engineering, and art while enjoying nature. (Rhythms of Play)
• Heat Wave Science Magic : Harness the power of the sun and make your own crayons. (Mama Smiles)
• Explore Color and Temperature : Find out if color affects the temperature of an object. (Inspiration Laboratories)

• Bubble Play : Make your own bubbles and try some fun activities that little kids love. (Red Ted Art)
• Floating Flowers : Collect flowers from the garden and add to a tub of water. (Twitchetts)
• Learn with Leaves : 7 math activities that you can do outside! (Crafts on Sea)
• Exploring Senses in Nature : Make an easy DIY mystery bag and fill with natural materials for a fun tactile sense activity. (Natural Beach Living)
• Play with Helicopter Seeds : These are fun to use for large motor activities, nature hunts, fine motor , counting, and in crafts! (Lalymom)
• Outdoor Play Ideas Jar : Use the free printable for activity ideas, place in a jar, and let the kids pick a fun outdoor idea. (Kitchen Counter Chronicles)

• Cutting Lavender : If you have lavender in your yard, invite your child to snip it for some fine motor fun. (Teach Me Mommy)
• DIY Dice Game : Work on gross motor development while completing the task that the dice lands on. (Days with Grey)
• Hammering Ice : Fill ice cube trays with water and small plastic bugs, freeze, and take outdoors to hammer! (Beauty Through Imperfection)
• Sink or Float Science : Fill a tub with water, collect items, and see if they sink or float. Use the free printable to document results. (Buggy and Buddy)
• Blow Bubbles with Household Objects : Discover which household objects work best to blow bubbles. (Playground Parkbench)
• Spread Shaving Cream on Blocks : Help your children develop spreading skills with this fun activity. (Happy Hooligans)

• Nature Number Art : Collect items on a walk, roll the dice, and create something with that many of the pieces. (Mosswood Creations)
• Sand Cast Starfish : Next time you go to the beach, make this fun keepsake! (Crafts by Amanda)
• Shadow Art : Add some hands-on STEAM to your outdoor time with this fun art and science activity. (Rhythms of Play)

• Stone Faces Craft : Collect rocks on a nature walk and use the free printable to create funny stone faces. (Messy Little Monster)
• Jackson Pollock Art : Drip paint on a large sheet outdoors! (Learning and Exploring through Play)
• Nature Paintbrushes : Collect pieces of nature while on a walk and then use them to paint with. (Messy Little Monster)

Find hundreds more activities on my outdoor activities pin board !

You might also like:

35+ Summer Literacy Ideas

15 Nature Activities for Toddlers

Fun Summer Activities for Kids

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About Sheryl Cooper

Sheryl Cooper is the founder of Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds, a website full of activities for toddlers and preschoolers. She has been teaching this age group for over 25 years and loves to share her passion with teachers, parents, grandparents, and anyone with young children in their lives.

Reader Interactions

May 31, 2017 at 11:45 pm

The activities mentioned here are so creative and interesting that adults would also find it luring to play with them. It will help in building a special bond between the parents and kids and thus ultimately leads to the better upbringing practices.

Whether you’re looking for outdoor lesson ideas for school, play ideas to do at home, or guidance on making outdoor learning and play part of every day, you’ll find it here!

If you have of your own resources you would like to share with the Outdoor Classroom Day community, please share post them on social media using #OutdoorClassroomDay.

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We'd love to hear your ideas!

If you have an awesome idea or resource that you’d like to share with fellow outdoor champions around the world, you can upload it using the form below. We will then review the resources you send and, as long as it fits with the Outdoor Classroom Day ethos, we will then publish it in this section of the website.

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64 of the Funnest Outside Activities for Kids

Get some fresh air!

Whatever the weather, it’s always a good time to get outside. From water play to crafts and more, there’s plenty of fun in the great outdoors to be had by all. Here are our favorite outside activities for kids that keep them active and engaged all year long.

(Just a heads up, WeAreTeachers may collect a share of sales from the links on this page. We only recommend items our team loves!)

Have a picnic

Picnics are tried-and-true outdoor activities for kids. Bringing a blanket and a basket out into the yard or to the park makes any meal special.

Learn more: Picnic Food Ideas/Love and Lemons

Camp in the backyard

Set up a tent, or bring out blankets so the kids can make one of their own, and spend the day outside. If it’s an actual tent and your kids are old enough, let them sleep out in the backyard for a night (or two).

Play a version of hopscotch that involves a snail shell.

Go stargazing

A clear night is a great time to see stars. Here is a guide of five constellations that kids can spot .

Outside movie night

Outside movie nights are memorable activities for kids. Set up a projector screen (could also be a white sheet) or pull a TV to where you can see it from outside and cue up a favorite movie.

Kick hopscotch up a notch

Make hopscotch more challenging by writing directions for what kids should do when they land on each square. Turn around, do a jumping jack, stomp like a dinosaur, all the way down the sidewalk.

Learn more: Clever Ways To Play Hopscotch/Crafty Morning ADVERTISEMENT

Play Duck, Duck, Splash

It’s like Duck, Duck, Goose, but instead of goose, you’re carrying a water spray bottle or squirt gun, and you splash the person you want to chase.

Learn more: Duck, Duck, Splash/Inspiration Made Simple

Play water balloon volleyball

Using a beach towel as a springboard, launch a water balloon over the net. The other team tries to catch it in their towel and launch it back over. If the balloon breaks on your side of the net, the other team gets a point.

Learn more: Water Balloon Volleyball/It’s Always Autumn

Stage a car race in the driveway

Use sidewalk chalk and other obstacles (sticks, rocks, pool noodles cut in half) and create a racecourse for cars.

Learn more: Outdoor Racetrack/Mum’s Grapevine

Play Frisbee tic-tac-toe

Turn an old sheet into a tic-tac-toe board with some tape, then use Frisbees (or beanbags) of different colors, or with Xs on half, to play tic-tac-toe.

Image: Frisbee Tic-Tac-Toe/Living Well, Spending Less

Play field hockey with pool noodles

Use pool noodles as sticks, balloons for the ball, and two laundry baskets for goals. The pool noodles move the balloons across the lawn to score goals in the laundry basket.

Learn more: Pool Noodle Hockey/Joyful Parenting

Sail in a paper-boat race

Create paper boats, then us straws to create wind while racing them in a kiddie pool or tub.

Make frozen suncatchers

Gather items from outside—berries, evergreen boughs, twigs, leaves. Then, put out a plastic lid or pie plate as a mold. Fill the mold with water and arrange the elements. Leave it outside overnight to freeze in winter or pop it in the freezer in the summer. Then, remove the ice from the mold and you have a suncatcher to prop outside on your window to admire.

Learn more: Frozen Suncatcher/Run Wild My Child

Make a DIY obstacle course

Obstacle courses are fun outside activities for kids. Pull out all the outside gear for this one. Use jump ropes, Hula-Hoops, pool noodles, and whatever you have to create an obstacle course.

Learn more: DIY Obstacle Courses

Paint with flyswatters

Dip a flyswatter in paint, or put dots of paint on paper, and use the flyswatter to spread the paint around.

Learn more: Fly Swatter Finger Painting/Little Bins for Little Hands

Melt crayons in the sun

Looking for outside activities that incorporate repurposing items you no longer need? Gather up old crayons and paper plates and aluminum foil. Place the aluminum foil on top of the paper plates. Then, put the crayons on the foil and place it in the sun. You can put the crayons inside of cookie cutters to give them shape. Once they are done melting, you can take them out of the cookie cutters and have new crayons.

Learn more: Sun-Melted Crayons/Happy Hooligans

Build a birdhouse

It’s easy to create a bird feeder using materials that you can find around the house, from plastic containers and spoons to oranges and birdseed. To make it more interesting, make a few bird feeders and hang them in different spots in your yard so you can see what kinds of birds visit each.

Learn more: Bird Feeder Ideas/Spruce Crafts

Catch fireflies

Catch fireflies in a jar to observe the insects. Release them at the end of the evening.

Learn more: Guide To Catching Fireflies/Homesteading

Create a fairy garden

Find things from around the house, like spools, clay, broken pots, and more, to create a fairy garden. Or purchase a fairy garden kit at Amazon to get you started.

Learn more: Fairy Garden Tour/A Beautiful Mess

Go on a bug hunt

Scavenger hunts are classic outside activities for kids. In this version, they’ll hunt for bugs. How many different types of bugs can they find in the backyard? Bring a magnifying glass or jar to catch and observe them.

Learn more: Bug Hunt/Family Corner

Make mud pies

Get dirt, add water, and use old cake pans and plates to create mud pies. Decorate them with flowers and leaves.

Learn more: Make Mud Pies/Sparkle Stories

Have a bike parade

Decorate bikes with streamers, balloons, and flags. Then, bike around the neighborhood. Better yet, get other kids involved in the fun and keep the parade going. You might associate bike parades with the 4th of July, but Memorial Day, Labor Day, even the holidays (think: adding Christmas lights to bikes) are all good excuses for a bike parade.

Construct a cardboard fort

Get a bunch of cardboard boxes, tape, paint, and markers and see what your kids can make out of them.

Learn more: Cardboard Box Fort Ideas/Backyard Summer Camp

Make a rock garden

Search for rocks—the smoother the better. Then, paint them and create a rock garden. You can also get a rock-painting kit that comes with inspiration from Target .

Learn more: Rock Garden Ideas/SheKnows

Map the neighborhood

Look at maps of your city. Then, have your kids take a paper and pencil and walk through their neighborhood, making their own map.

Learn more: Nifty Neighborhood Maps/Crayola

Hold a neighborhood scavenger hunt

Beforehand, walk around your neighborhood and make a list of things that the kids are sure to find (stop sign, red house, mailbox shaped like a barn). Then, give your kids the list and see if they can find everything on your list.

Learn more: Scavenger Hunt Printable/Miss Merry

Play water limbo

Use a hose as a stick and spray water in a stream for kids to limbo under.

Learn more: Water Hose Limbo/Great Camp Games

Toss water balloons

There are plenty of outside activities for kids using water balloons. For this one, fill up water balloons and have kids start close together. Toss the balloon, then take a step back. Repeat until the balloon bursts, then start over.

Learn more: Eco-Friendly Water Balloons/Cool Mom Picks

Buy it: Bunch O Balloons at Amazon

Build igloos

The night before, fill various containers with water and different food coloring and freeze it. Then, pop the ice out of the molds and let kids build with it until it melts. Or get serious and freeze water in bread pan molds and use them as bricks to build an igloo.

Learn more: Make Igloos/Burlington Free Press

Slip-n-Slide

Make your own Slip-n-Slide with a plastic tarp, secure it on a hill, and run the hose down the middle. Have kids slide down on their bellies or on pool floats.

Learn more: Build a Slip-n-Slide/All Things Thrifty

Buy it: Water Slides and Body Board Set at Amazon

Throw sponges at targets

Draw a bull’s-eye on the driveway and give points to each circle. Then, put a bunch of sponges in a container of water. Have kids stand at a starting line and throw the sponges at the target.

Learn more: Sponge Bullseye/KiwiCo

Have a sponge relay

This game is great for a group of four or more kids. Put two buckets out for each kid or team. Fill one bucket with water and sponges; the other bucket stays empty. The kids have to transfer water from the full bucket to the empty one using just the sponges. Whoever fills their bucket first is the winner.

Learn more: Sponge Relay/Flying With Four

Paint with squirt guns

Fill a squirt gun with paint (or paint mixed with water if the paint is thicker), then aim it at a piece of paper or bedsheet to create spray art.

Learn more: Squirt Gun Painting/Fireflies and Mud Pies

Buy it: Squirt Guns at Amazon

Play water balloon dodgeball

Use water balloons in a game of dodgeball.

Read outside

Get blankets, chairs, tents, whatever you need to make a cozy reading nook. Bring out a pitcher of lemonade and a stack of books. This activity is best when it’s nice and cool outside—no bugs and no humidity.

Learn more: Ways To Enjoy Reading Outside/Honestly Modern

Clean the cars

Get a plastic tub. Fill half with dirt and trucks and cars, the other half with soap and water. Then, sit back and relax as your children put vehicles through car wash after car wash.

Learn more: Clean the Cars Sensory Bin/Busy Toddler

Blow big bubbles

See how big a bubble you can create with homemade solution in a kiddie pool and a bunch of different bubble wands. A Hula-Hoop or rope both make good giant bubble creators.

Learn more: Homemade Giant Bubbles/Happy Hooligans

Buy it: Giant Bubble Making Kits at Amazon

Play parachute games

Stretch out a parachute and put balls on top, then shake the parachute but try not to let the balls roll off. Lift the parachute and see how many people can run under it before it comes down. Sit under the parachute and create a tent. These are just a few ideas for how to play with a parachute.

Learn more: Parachute Games/Backyard Games

Buy it: Play Parachute at Amazon

Make a sensory table

An old train table repurposed as a water table, or a coffee table, now with bins for sand and water. Water and sensory tables are a fun way for kids to play creatively.

Learn more: DIY Sensory Tables/The Empowered Educator

Play classic games

The games you played when you were a kid never go out of style. Teach your child the classics:

• Red Rover, Red Rover
• Red Light, Green Light
• Mother May I
• Kick the Can

Learn more: Classic Recess Games

Host a s’mores party

Start up the fire pit and make s’mores, the quintessential outdoor dessert. You can stick with the classic—graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate—or try one of the options at the link below.

Learn more: S’mores Recipes Six Sisters’ Stuff

Learn how to play cornhole

Cornhole is the classic game that involves throwing beanbags at a target. The team with the most holes in wins. You can make your own or buy a set. Either way, cornhole is a game that kids will work to master.

Learn more: Make Your Own Cornhole Game/HGTV

Buy it: Junior Cornhole Game Set at Amazon

Make sidewalk chalk art

Use painter’s tape to mark off shapes on the sidewalk. Then, color in each space with chalk. The result is a Pinterest-worthy chalk art design.

Learn more: Geometric Chalk Art/A Sprinkle of Pink

Buy it: Colored Sidewalk Chalk at Amazon

Play bocce ball

Make use of a flat area in your yard to set up a bocce ball game. Each player needs two same-color balls. Then they toss the ball to see who can get it closest to a white marker.

Buy it: Bocce Ball Set at Amazon

Play backyard putt-putt

Create a real mini-golf challenge around your yard, taking all the hills, dips, and obstacles into consideration. Either use objects you already have—croquet wickets, boxes with holes cut out, PVC pipe, cups. Or purchase a mini-golf kit.

Learn more: Backyard Mini Golf Course/Kix Cereal

Buy it: Mini Golf Kit at Amazon

Make your own bubble foam

No matter how you slice it, foam is fun. And making your own foam is extra fun. Mix two parts water with one part tear-free bubble bath. Add food coloring. Mix with a hand mixer on high until it reaches the foamy consistency you like.

Learn more: Bubble Foam/Busy Toddler

Start a garden

Gardens provide plenty of outdoor activities for kids that keep on giving. In fall, plant the seeds. Keep watch on the garden during winter. In spring, look for the first shoots, and take care of the garden until harvest in summer. Up in the Garden, Down in the Dirt by Kate Messner is a picture book that explains what’s happening under the dirt in your garden, and it takes you through the entire year.

Buy it: Gardening Starter Kit at Amazon; Up in the Garden, Down in the Dirt at Amazon

Fill up a kiddie pool with magnetic animals (or cut out fish with paper clips attached to them) and use a magnetic pole to catch them all. Fill the pool with water, or not, depending on your child’s preference.

Learn more: Brain-Boosting Ways To Use a Kiddie Pool/Mommy University

Buy it: Magnetic Fishing Set at Amazon

Run a three-legged race

If you have an even number of kids, pair them up for a three-legged race. Use a rope or exercise band to tie kids’ legs together. For a variation, get a huge shirt and have three kids work together. One kid puts their head through the head, and two kids put their heads through the sleeves. Then, they have to run from start to finish. Kids love the challenge, and we love them learning to work together.

Learn more: Hold a Three-Legged Race/Our Pastimes

Jump rope is great exercise, confidence building, and fun.

Learn more: Jump Rope Rhymes and Games/Mommy Poppins

Play all kinds of tag

There are so many kinds of tag to play:

• Blob Tag: When you’re tagged you join the blob.
• Hot Dog Tag: One kid is the hot dog, and they tag two “buns.”
• Animal Tag: Kids have to act like animals when they are tagged.
• Dragon Tag: As kids are tagged, they link arms to form a dragon.

Learn more: Fun Tag Game Variations

Capture the flag

Capture the Flag’s rules haven’t changed since you were a kid. Each team tries to take the other team’s flag and get it back to their territory. But if a player gets tagged by the other team while on that team’s side, they get sent to “jail.” The game ends when one team gets the other team’s flag to their home base.

Learn more: Capture the Flag/Party Games 4 Kids

Create a business

Encourage your entrepreneurial kid to set up a lemonade stand, or decide on something else to sell. First, survey neighbors to find out what they’d like to buy. (Maybe people want Popsicles in summer but hot cocoa in winter.) Then, have your kids price out the ingredients and go shopping with you. Figure out what time of day is best to sell. And put up advertisements around the neighborhood.

Create a water wall

Kids love outside water activities! A water wall is essentially a maze for water to trickle through. Hang different objects from your house—tubes, milk jugs and cottage cheese cartons with the bottoms cut out, funnels, and anything else that water could go through—on a pegboard or simply on the wall. Then, run water through it and see how it flows.

Learn more: Water Wall/Happy Hooligans

Make a homemade water blob

A water blob is a large piece of thin plastic, folded in half, taped shut, and filled with water. Essentially, a huge water balloon that kids can play on. Make your own by folding and sealing plastic sheeting with duct tape. Then, fill the blob with water. If it springs leaks while you play, just seal them back up with duct tape.

Learn more: Water Blob Tutorial/Clumsy Crafter

Get creative with tie-dye

Tie-dying activities are best for kids to do outside, so take advantage of warm, sunny days to tie-dye shirts or pillow cases, or tie-dye a sheet and put it over a frame to make a tent.

Learn more: Tie-Dye Instructions/Lola Lambchops

Draw with shadows

Use sun and your child’s toys to create shadow drawings.

Slime activities for kids are best done outside. Make your own slime with glue, food coloring, baking soda, and saline solution (and glitter if you’d like).

Learn more: Slime Recipe/The Kitchn

Make sun art

Collect leaves and plants, put them on the special paper, and leave them in the sun to create silhouettes.

Learn more: Sun Print Paper/Flinn Scientific

Buy it: Sun Art Paper Kit at Amazon

Create a nature weaving

Looking for outside craft activities for kids? Use sticks and string as the structure to weave in leaves and flowers. Kids will have fun collecting plants and seeing which are the best for weaving.

Learn more: Nature Weaving Craft/Craftiments

Make a worm farm

Worms are easy enough to come by. Fill a mason jar with dirt, make sure you have some worms to observe, and watch them wriggle!

Learn more: Make a Worm Jar/Homeschool Creations

Have a tea party

Bring out the fancy dishes, make iced tea or lemonade, and put out platters of crackers and cookies to add a bit of fancy to your summer. Invite teddy bears, dolls, and even dump trucks to the party to encourage pretend play.

Learn more: Kids Tea Party Guide/The Spruce

Make a dandelion crown

Pick dandelions and other flowers with long stems and weave them together to make crowns, necklaces, and bracelets.

Learn more: Make a Dandelion Crown/Prairie Play

Play a game of kickball

Sometimes the best games are the classics. If your child has a bunch of friends over, organize them into two teams and start a game of kickball.

Have a glow party

When it gets dark, break out a few glow sticks, put on some music, and dance the night away!

Buy it: Glow Sticks at Amazon

What are your favorite outside activities for kids? Share in the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out wet and wild outdoor science activities ..

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Outdoor Education: Benefits, Activities, and Tips

Dreaming of taking your classroom beyond its walls but don’t know how?

Explore Outdoor Education in our new guide. Uncover benefits, practical tips, sustainability ideas, and real examples to enrich your teaching journey.

Introduction to Outdoor Education

In a society where traditional classroom settings often dominate the learning landscape, outdoor education provides a breath of fresh air by taking students beyond four walls and immersing them in the natural environment. This educational approach embraces the great outdoors as a dynamic and interactive classroom, offering a wide array of benefits and learning opportunities for students of all ages.

Outdoor education goes beyond simply teaching subjects in an outdoor setting. It is a holistic approach that aims to foster personal, social, and environmental growth through experiential learning. By engaging in a variety of outdoor activities, students develop a deeper connection with nature, gain practical skills, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and build resilience in the face of challenges.

In this blog, we will delve into the world of outdoor education , exploring its benefits, strategies for effective implementation, inspiring examples, and ways to promote environmental awareness and sustainability. Whether you are an educator, a parent, or a curious learner, this blog aims to inspire and equip you with insights and practical ideas to embrace outdoor education and unlock the boundless potential it offers.

The Benefits of Outdoor Learning

Outdoor education brings a fresh and exciting element to learning, grabbing students’ interest, and sparking their curiosity. When students have nature as a classroom, like forests, parks, or even city areas , outdoor education creates an active and engaging setting for exploration.

This hands-on approach helps students see how what they learn in class relates to the real world , making them more involved and motivated to learn. It also helps students to grow in all aspects of their lives by taking care of their bodies, emotions, and social connections . It encourages them to be active and move around, which leads to healthier habits and less sitting still. Moreover, spending time in nature has a good effect on mental health . It lowers stress and anxiety, making students feel better overall.

Outdoor education brings many benefits to teachers as well. When teachers incorporate outdoor teaching methods, it helps them feel refreshed and excited about their job . Being in nature sparks their creativity and gives them new ideas. They can try out different ways of teaching and adjust their lessons to fit the outdoor environment.

Moreover, outdoor education allows teachers to connect with their students on a deeper level. They can build stronger relationships and create a sense of togetherness . This kind of teaching involves working together and doing hands-on activities. It does not only make teachers happier with their work but also helps them learn more about the world as they explore alongside their students in the great outdoors.

3 Tips for Effective Outdoor Activities

Designing effective outdoor education activities requires careful consideration and planning . Creating engaging and impactful experiences in nature can greatly enhance the learning outcomes for participants. We will explore some valuable tips for designing outdoor education activities that maximize versatility, prioritize comfort, and ensure functionality. These guidelines aim to help educators create memorable and successful outdoor learning experiences that inspire and educate.

1) Prioritize versatility

When designing outdoor education activities, it is important to prioritize versatility. This means creating experiences that can be adapted to different learning objectives, age groups, and environmental conditions. By designing activities that can be modified or expanded upon, educators can accommodate varying levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities among participants.

Additionally, incorporating multiple learning styles and modes of engagement allows individuals to connect with the content in ways that resonate with them personally. By fostering versatility, outdoor education activities can be tailored to suit the unique needs and interests of diverse groups, ensuring that every participant has an opportunity to learn and grow.

2) Make it comfortable

Comfort is an essential factor to consider when designing outdoor education activities. Ensuring that participants feel physically and emotionally comfortable throughout the experience contributes to their overall engagement and enjoyment. This includes wearing appropriate clothing, footwear, and protective gear to suit the weather conditions.

Additionally, considering the availability of rest areas, shade, and seating options can enhance participants’ comfort and well-being. When individuals feel comfortable in their surroundings, they are more likely to fully immerse themselves in the learning experience, enabling them to absorb and retain information more effectively.

3) Choose the right materials

Making sure that outdoor education activities work well is really important. This means choosing and organizing resources, equipment, and materials in a smart way so that learning goes smoothly. It’s important to think about things like how easy it is to move and use equipment, how durable it is, and how accessible it is for everyone.

A good option is sidewalk chalk . It works well for writing on outdoor surfaces because it washes off very easily. When the logistics of an activity are well-planned, teachers can focus more on teaching and helping students connect with nature. Giving clear instructions and enough time for practice and thinking also helps make outdoor education activities work better.

12 Outdoor Activities

Outdoor education activities give us a great chance to combine different subjects while we learn.

Science Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities in science foster a deeper understanding of natural phenomena and ecological systems . Consider the following examples:

• Field studies : Take students on nature walks or field trips to local ecosystems, such as forests, wetlands, or coastal areas. Encourage them to observe, collect data, and analyze various aspects like biodiversity, population dynamics, or environmental factors. Align these activities with specific science standards or learning objectives related to ecological concepts, scientific inquiry, or data analysis.
• Citizen science projects : Engage students in collaborative research projects that contribute to real-world scientific data collection. They can participate in bird counts, water quality assessments, or phenology studies, allowing them to contribute to scientific knowledge while learning about environmental stewardship. Align these activities with standards related to scientific investigations, data collection, or environmental awareness.
• Experiment-based learning : Design experiments that can be conducted outdoors, such as investigating the effects of sunlight on plant growth, the impact of different soil types on water retention, or the behavior of animals in their natural habitats. Connect these activities with standards focused on experimental design, data analysis, or scientific explanations.

Art Outdoor Activities

Combining art with outdoor education allows students to explore their creativity while drawing inspiration from the natural world. Consider these activities:

• Plein air painting : Take students outside with easels and art supplies to create landscape paintings en plein air. Encourage them to observe the colors, textures, and lighting conditions in the natural environment while expressing their artistic vision. Align these activities with art standards related to observation, composition, or expression.
• Nature-inspired sculptures : Provide materials like clay, found objects, or natural elements for students to create sculptures that reflect the forms, patterns, or concepts found in nature. Encourage them to consider sustainability and environmental aesthetics in their creations. Align these activities with art standards related to three-dimensional forms, craftsmanship, or creative expression.
• Photography expeditions : Equip students with cameras and guide them on outdoor photography expeditions. Encourage them to capture images that showcase the beauty and uniqueness of the natural world. Incorporate discussions about composition, lighting, or storytelling through visuals. Align these activities with standards related to visual communication, aesthetics, or digital media.

History Outdoor Activities

Outdoor education brings history to life by providing students with authentic experiences and connections to the past . Consider the following activities:

• Historical site visits : Take students to local historical sites, landmarks, or museums where they can explore artifacts, interpret exhibits, or engage in guided tours. Encourage them to analyze primary sources, make connections to historical events, and develop historical thinking skills. Align these activities with history standards related to historical interpretation, inquiry, or cultural heritage.
• Living history reenactments : Organize reenactments of historical events, where students assume roles, dress in period costumes, and engage in authentic activities. This allows them to experience history firsthand and gain a deeper understanding of the social, political, or cultural contexts of the past. Align these activities with standards related to historical thinking, analysis, or cultural understanding.
• Oral history projects : Engage students in interviewing local community members or family members to gather oral histories related to specific historical events, cultural traditions, or social changes. This encourages students to develop research skills, practice empathy, and gain insights into personal perspectives on history. Align these activities with standards related to historical research, communication, or empathy.

Physical Education Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities in physical education promote physical fitness, teamwork, and personal growth in a natural setting. Consider these examples:

• Outdoor sports tournaments : Organize tournaments or friendly matches of popular outdoor sports like soccer, basketball, or cricket. Emphasize skill development, fair play, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Align these activities with physical education standards related to skill acquisition, cooperation, or healthy lifestyles.
• Adventure-based challenges : Introduce students to adventure-based activities like rock climbing, orienteering, or ropes courses. These activities foster problem-solving skills, risk assessment, resilience, and personal growth. Align these activities with standards related to adventure education, personal development, or risk management.
• Fitness trails or obstacle courses : Create outdoor fitness trails or obstacle courses that challenge students’ strength, endurance, and agility. Incorporate exercises, challenges, or stations that target different fitness components. Align these activities with standards related to physical fitness, skill development, or goal setting.

When teachers bring outdoor education activities into different subjects, it makes learning more interesting, and it helps to understand the natural world better. These activities make the students think, be creative, and work together . Plus, they show how different subjects are connected in real life.

5 Ways to Promote Environmental Awareness and Sustainability

Promoting environmental awareness and sustainability is important in outdoor education. When students go outside and learn in nature, it helps them understand and care about the environment. They see how beautiful and delicate it is, inspiring them to take responsibility and protect the planet. To further enhance outdoor education, educators can implement practical ideas and projects that engage students actively in environmental conservation.

1) Community Cleanup

Organize a community cleanup day where students gather in local parks, beaches, or natural areas to collect litter and learn about the impact of pollution on ecosystems. This hands-on activity fosters a sense of responsibility and teaches students the importance of keeping our environment clean.

2) Native Plant Gardening

Establish a native plant garden on the school grounds or in a nearby green space. Students can learn about the benefits of native plants, their role in supporting local wildlife, and the importance of preserving biodiversity. This project allows students to actively participate in creating and maintaining a sustainable ecosystem.

3) Waste Reduction Campaign

Launch a waste reduction campaign within the school community. Educators can work with students to implement recycling programs, encourage the use of reusable water bottles and lunch containers, and educate peers on the impact of single-use plastics. This project raises awareness about the importance of reducing waste and instills eco-friendly habits.

4) Energy Conservation Challenge

Create an energy conservation challenge where students learn about energy consumption and ways to reduce it. Students can conduct energy audits within the school, develop strategies to conserve energy and track their progress over time. This project empowers students to make a tangible difference and understand the connection between their actions and environmental sustainability.

5) Nature Journaling

Encourage students to keep nature journals during outdoor excursions. Students can record their observations, sketches, and reflections about the natural world. This activity not only deepens their connection with nature but also promotes creativity and mindfulness. Teachers can guide discussions about the importance of preserving natural habitats based on students’ journal entries.

By incorporating practical ideas and projects like these into outdoor education, educators provide students with hands-on experiences and empower them to make a positive impact on the environment. These initiatives deepen students’ understanding of sustainability and conservation, fostering a lifelong commitment to caring for the Earth.

Inspiring Outdoor Education Examples

1) forest schools sweden.

Forest schools in Sweden, known as “skogs förskola”, are early childhood education centers that prioritize outdoor learning in forest environments . These schools provide young children with opportunities for hands-on exploration, nature play, and environmental education. One of the distinctive aspects of forest schools in Sweden is the focus on child-led learning . Students are encouraged to follow their interests and curiosities, allowing them to develop a deep connection with the natural world at their own pace.

This child-centered approach fosters a sense of autonomy and self-confidence in young learners. Furthermore, forest schools in Sweden promote holistic development by incorporating various aspects of learning, including cognitive, physical, and emotional domains. Nature play and hands-on exploration provides opportunities for children to develop their motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. While there is no specific website dedicated to all forest schools in Sweden, you can find information about individual schools and their approach through local municipality websites or educational institutions .

2) Outdoor International Primary School Italy

The Outdoor International Primary School located in Altopascio, Italy, stands out as a remarkable institution that fosters a deep understanding and respect for the world in its students. As a bilingual primary school catering to children between the ages of 6 and 11, it offers a unique educational experience that emphasizes outdoor learning and global awareness . At the Outdoor International Primary School, the natural environment serves as an integral part of the curriculum. Students have the opportunity to learn amidst nature, immersing themselves in the outdoors and connecting with the world around them.

This approach not only promotes physical activity and a healthy lifestyle but also instills a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world. Moreover, the Outdoor International Primary School encourages students to take an active role in caring for the environment and making a positive impact. The school incorporates sustainability into its curriculum, teaching students about eco-friendly practices and encouraging them to become responsible global citizens.

3) Kilgraston School Scotland

The Kilgraston School in Bridge of Earn, Scotland, stands out as an exceptional institution that combines academic excellence with a unique outdoor education program . With its vast expanse of land, the school offers students a remarkable opportunity to immerse themselves in nature and benefit from its serene surroundings. One of the distinctive aspects of Kilgraston School is its riding outdoor school , which sets it apart from other educational institutions. The riding program allows students to engage with horses and develop important life skills such as discipline, responsibility, and empathy. Students not only learn how to ride but also develop a deep connection with these magnificent animals.

One student, Emily, expressed her experience, saying, “Riding at Kilgraston has not only taught me how to control a horse but has also taught me how to understand and communicate with them. It’s a truly transformative experience.”

4) Prebendal School United Kingdom

The Prebendal School in Chichester , United Kingdom, has taken a truly innovative approach to education by utilizing the beach and the sea as their classroom . Situated close to the coast, the school has embraced the concept of beach schools, providing children with a unique learning experience that combines freedom, nature, and a deep understanding of the environment.

The beach school approach also provides children with a sense of freedom and independence. With the vast open space and the ever-changing sea, students are encouraged to take risks, problem-solve, and develop their resilience. Teachers at the Prebendal School recognize the value of this approach.

Furthermore, the beach school concept at the Prebendal School extends beyond academic subjects. It offers a holistic learning experience , incorporating elements of physical education, art, and environmental stewardship. Students engage in beach clean-up activities, creating art from natural materials found on the shore, and participating in team-building exercises on the beach. This multi-disciplinary approach encourages creativity, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility towards the environment.

Conclusions on Outdoor Education and Experiential Learning

Outdoor education is a special way of learning that takes students outside of the regular classroom and into nature. It offers a lot of benefits and we have talked about different aspects of it in this blog article. We discussed tips for creating good outdoor activities, how different subjects can be combined in outdoor learning, the importance of hands-on learning, and the advantages for both teachers and students. Outdoor education provides a unique and valuable learning experience that allows students to explore and learn in the natural world.

Outdoor education celebrates the beauty of nature and its boundless possibilities for learning. It encourages students to explore, discover, and grow while fostering a deep connection with the environment. By implementing the insights and strategies shared in this article, educators can create transformative outdoor learning experiences that inspire and educate, leaving a lasting impact on students’ lives.

It is all about learning through action . Instead of just listening or reading about something, students actively engage in hands-on experiences. This approach allows them to not only understand theories and knowledge taught in class but also see how they apply to real-life situations . By doing and reflecting on what they have learned, students can make stronger connections and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Experiential learning is a powerful tool that benefits both teachers and students in their educational journey.

Experiential learning is a special way of teaching that gets students involved and encourages them to do things first-hand. If you would like to know more about this, here, at Europass Teacher Academy , we have a wide range of Erasmus courses for Teachers that follow this approach, like “ Experiential Learning in Tenerife “, “ Experiential Learning in Barcelona “, and “ Experiential Learning in Florence .” Teachers get the chance to learn and try out new teaching methods while exploring interesting places with their students. It’s a hands-on experience that helps teachers become better at what they do and create exciting learning opportunities for their students.

They also learn useful ways to make learning more exciting and meaningful for their students. Experiential learning makes education more interesting and helps students connect what they learn to the real world . It prepares them to use their knowledge in practical situations and get ready for the future, where things are always changing.

Other related courses to the topic: Environmental Education in Finland , Environmental Stewardship , Learning Outside of the Classroom , or more .

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From the Blog

Outdoor learning strategies and resources for schools and teachers.

• August 25, 2020

by Kate Gardoqui & Jean Haeger  

Outdoor spaces are safer than indoor spaces when it comes to the transmission of COVID-19. This fact may inspire schools to explore outdoor learning options for the fall as a way to allow some in-person contact among students and teachers while keeping everyone as safe as possible. This approach, which was used by New York schools during a tuberculosis epidemic in 1915 , would have many benefits. Regular contact with nature, even in the context of a small schoolyard or garden, can improve students’ physical fitness, mental health, academic achievement, and cognitive, social-emotional, and motor functions. In stressful times, outdoor learning could support students’ and teachers’ mental health while enabling teachers to push students’ thinking and creativity.

The resources below are intended to help schools think through approaches to outdoor learning or select units that can be taught (at least in part) outdoors.

Why Teach Outdoors?

Resources for Schools

Resources for Teachers (All Subject Areas)

Resources for Teachers (Subject Specific)

The units below are all from the Performance Assessment Resource Bank from SCALE, a project at Stanford University. You have to sign up for a free account in order to access the units.

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This resource was compiled with assistance from Serena Galleshaw, student of u rban planning at University of Southern California, as well as Esperanza Gonzalez and Alisha Mai McNamara of Wild Earth .

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Teaching Outside: 20 Quick & Easy Outdoor Education Activities for Children

This eBook is written for teachers, parents, caregivers, and mentors who understand the value and importance of having their children spend time in nature but may not have the time, resources, or ability to dedicate a regular part of their schedule to outdoor education. No matter how much time you have or advanced preparation you’ve done, there are things you can do with your students outside that are fun, educational, and worthwhile. This book contains 20 detailed, Common Core-aligned, step-by-step activities that are categorized by grade level, time needed, materials needed, “readiness level,” and subject. They are designed to be accessible for everyone, regardless of your comfort level with the great outdoors. The activities are designed for children in grades Pre-K through 5 but can easily be adapted for other ages and stages as well. What will the children learn?

• 21st Century Skills, such as creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking
• Social Studies
• Visual and Performing Arts
• Speaking and Listening 

eBook features: 

• Common Core-aligned
• Clickable Table of Contents
• 4 clickable Indexes
• Beautiful hand-painted illustrations
• Tips for how and where to teach outside
• Lesson objectives for each activity
• Detailed materials lists for each activity
• “Nature Natalie Tips” with insider info from someone who’s been there and done it!
• Extensions, Adaptations, and Variations for each activity

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9 Engaging Activities for Outdoor Learning Kids Will Love

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On average, American children spend less than seven minutes a day outside and over seven hours a day in front of a screen. These numbers have many parents and educators seeking outdoor learning options to reintroduce the natural world to children. Transforming the classroom from indoors to outdoors offers children countless learning opportunities, along with increased physical activity, critical thinking, self-awareness, teamwork, and more.

Outdoor learning doesn’t have to just be for elementary-age children. Activities can be easily modified to fit a range of learning levels and age groups. If you’re an educator or parent who is interested in ways to get kids away from electronic devices and into the great outdoors, here are nine engaging activities for outdoor learning: 

1. Practicing Letter Formation

Letter forming is an important skill for young children to develop as they learn to read and write. This skill is an engaging one to practice in nature. Children can use sticks, rocks, or other found objects as “writing” tools, encouraging imaginative play. Additionally, challenging children to recognize letters in the shape of trees or clouds will help them practice sight words, an important skill for young readers. 

2. Memory Game

Exercises that improve memory are beneficial for children across all academic subjects and are fun to practice outdoors. Consider using colored stones for students to hide under leaves or rocks, then having them use memory to find them. Similarly, giving students the task of identifying and remembering landmarks when walking a path or trail in the woods will help increase their memorization skills. Overall, memory games help develop a child’s attention, focus, and concentration.

3. Learning Numbers

There are many ways for children to learn simple mathematics in nature, as the outside world provides a constant environment for quantifying. Young children can practice number order by using objects like sticks and leaves stacked in groups. It’s also fun to challenge children to find numbers naturally occurring in nature, like the leaves of a three-leaf clover or the legs of a spider. Practices like this enhance a child’s visual association as well.

4. Texture Scavenger Hunt

Learning new words and their meanings is always important for expanding a child’s reading and communication skills. A texture scavenger hunt provides a fun and challenging practice for young minds. Simply place four objects with different textures into four separate boxes and ask each child to close their eyes, reach into the boxes, and describe the objects. The activity can be made even more challenging for older children by asking them to “only use words that begin with the letter C” or to “describe the different objects with rhyming words.” Either way, vocabulary games further develop a child’s comprehension and fluency.

5. Gardening

Many studies have shown the positive physical and psychological benefits of spending time in a garden. Young children experience stress and worry just as adults do, but they often don’t have the language or advocacy to process those complicated emotions. Gardening can help with that. Consider giving each child a flower or vegetable to plant in the school’s garden or at home and encourage them to tend to it throughout the school year. Not only will they have an opportunity to practice responsibility, but gardening is also an excellent way to learn about biology, ecology, nutrition, and more.

6. Team Sports

Team sports improve collaboration and communication skills while also helping to reduce stress , depression, and anxiety. Beach volleyball, soccer, or outdoor basketball, for example, can teach children to work together toward a common goal. Dividing into teams, assigning positions, encouraging one another’s progress, and receiving feedback from the teacher or adult facilitating the game are all lessons that translate to stronger emotional intelligence. Plus, regular physical activity has shown to be beneficial for kids with ADHD . 

7. Nature Hike

A nature hike is an excellent activity for learning and exploration. Children can learn about native flowers, birds, insects, plants, and trees and practice identifying them as they hike. It can be fun to have children keep a nature journal where they can sketch and record their findings on their walks. This practice encourages them to interact with nature with curiosity and wonder. Additionally, hiking provides an excellent opportunity to practice navigation skills by reading maps, using a compass, and understanding trail markers.

8. Cleaning Up the Beach/Park/Wood

Providing opportunities for children to learn about taking care of the earth helps them to be more responsible and respectful towards nature and all living things. First, start with taking children to the beach, park, or any shared community space. There you can talk to them about the importance of keeping communal spaces clean and cared for. Then, provide them with supplies and instructions for picking up litter. This is also a great way to teach them about recycling and how to separate garbage. This activity is not only fun and helpful to the community but also develops young minds to be eco-conscious.

9. Inspire Art in Students

Nature is one of the greatest sources of creativity, and inviting children to find inspiration for art while interacting with nature is a wonderful activity for self-expression. Consider taking students to an open field or waterfall and asking them to create a piece of art in response to their time there. This could be a photograph, a collage, a drawing, a poem, a song, or a dance. Overall, providing the time for a young mind to reflect and then respond to the natural world connects their individual existence to the larger, more global experience. 

Benefits of Outdoor Learning

Many parents voice a desire for non-academic skills to be reinforced while in school, all of which can be developed by spending time outdoors. Most notably, outdoor learning helps children experience:

• Adaptability
• Responsibility 
• Inquisitive thinking
• Creativity 
• Self-awareness
• Self-esteem
• Collaboration
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Self-regulation

The world is becoming more dependent on technology, and it’s vital that parents and educators continue to reinforce the value and importance of spending time in nature for children. Starting small, like blocking out an hour of outdoor play per day or signing your child up for a nature day camp, can be the first step in their journey to learning from the natural world. 

Why Choose WGU?

Do you want to impact the next generation of learners? Then check out WGU’s online teaching degree programs . Whether you’re looking to begin a career in education or to further your expertise, WGU’s teaching degrees provide the knowledge to step confidently into the classroom in any of the 50 states. Plus, WGU offers the support and flexibility needed to earn a degree at your own pace and comfort level.  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an example of an outdoor learning activity.

A nature hike is a great example of an outdoor learning activity. While hiking, children can learn about plant or insect identification, trail safety, physical health, and more.

What are the benefits of outdoor learning?

Learning in nature teaches resilience and adaptability, develops reflective and inquisitive thinking, provides sensory, social and emotional interactions, and encourages holistic development.

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10 Engaging Outdoor Learning Activities for Kids

By Ashley Brooks on 04/20/2015

Your three-year-old is literally bouncing off the walls, your kindergartener is running the stairs like he has a personal trainer and you’re just wishing you could steal some of their energy for yourself. One thing is for sure: if they stay cooped up in the living room much longer, it’s going to be declared an official disaster zone.

What’s the solution? Round them up and head outside! Not only will it give your furniture a relief but the great outdoors holds countless learning opportunities for your kids.

We enlisted various experts to provide some examples of outdoor learning activities to help get you started. Try these skill-builders for preschool-aged kids to help your little ones burn off energy while achieving developmental milestones.

10 Fun outdoor learning activities for kids

1. texture scavenger hunt.

How it works : Place nature objects with different textures in several brown lunch bags. You could put a pinecone in one, a stick in another and a stone in a third. Have your kids close their eyes and feel each object. Then send them outside to find a similar texture. As they find matching objects, introduce texture words like pointy, bumpy and smooth.

How it promotes learning : All of those new words will expand your little ones’ vocabulary. Discriminating between different textures also supports fine-motor skills like coloring and writing, according to pediatric occupational therapist Christie Kiley .

2. Beach volleyball

How it works : Playing volleyball with an inflatable beach ball is another worthwhile activity, says Cara Koscinski , pediatric therapist and author of The Pocket Occupational Therapist . You can also simply throw the ball high in the air for your kids to catch if they are too young to play an organized game. Challenge them to count how many times they can clap before catching it! (Hint: If they have trouble gripping the ball, simply deflate it a bit.)

How it promotes learning : You can probably guess that this game teaches counting and social interaction skills. Koscinski explains that catching a ball using both hands also teaches bilateral integration, a necessary skill for learning tasks such as cutting, buttoning and tying shoes.

3. Gardening

How it works : Gardening is connected with loads of developmental, physical and even psychological benefits for children. Your little ones can help with the gardening and learn at the same time—it’s a win-win!

How it promotes learning : All that digging and pulling is great for sensory exploration as well as building hand and finger strength, explains Kiley.

4. Pool noodle obstacle course

How it works : Get creative with pool noodles and design an obstacle course. Lay them on the ground, cut them in half, attach them to a fence or hang them from a branch. Challenge your kids to jump over them, limbo under them, crawl around them or walk on them like a balance beam.

How it promotes learning : Getting up and moving helps kids build core muscle strength. Koscinski explains that this will later be used for completing school tasks seated at the desk.

5. Nature hike

How it works : Nature offers plenty of discoveries for kids. Help them explore by encouraging them to find certain types of leaves, bugs, rocks and flowers.

How it promotes learning : A nature hike encourages observation skills, fine-motor skills, hand-eye coordination and the use of the five senses in exploring, according to Barbara Harvey, author of Journeys Through Parenthood and executive director of Parents, Teachers, and Advocates.

6. Critter quest

How it works : Miriam Manela is the owner of Thrive Occupational Therapy and recommends this activity in her book The Parent-Child Dance . As the “critter,” you slowly inch your way around the yard while narrating your movements. You might say, “I’m climbing up the swing set. What letter does ‘swing’ start with?” Try to work in new words like climb, reverse and descend. Your kids are the “trackers.” It’s their job to follow you with their eyes and think about your questions.

How it promotes learning : Critter Quest improves eye movement and tracking, plus it can be used to strengthen vocabulary, letter recognition and phonetics.

7. Chalk jump

How it works : Koscinski suggests using sidewalk chalk to write numbers and letters in different colors. Then ask kids to jump on the number, letter or color that’s called out.

How it promotes learning : This activity helps develop gross-motor skills, counting skills and letter, number and color recognition.

8. Simon says dance party

How it works : Head outside with some music and host a dance party. Give short instructions for nature-based dance moves, like “wiggle like a worm,” “twist like a leaf” and “flap your arms like a bird.”

How it promotes learning : Kids get to practice following simple instructions while being active. Kiley adds that the dance actions help them develop body awareness, coordination and balance.

9. Hula hoop hop

How it works : Line up several hula hoops and have kids hop into the middle of each hoop with both feet, explains Koscinski. Make it a bit more challenging by encouraging them to hop into one hoop with their right foot and the next hoop with their left.

How it promotes learning : All that hopping builds gross-motor coordination skills, which are necessary for sports and bike riding.

10. Flower artists

How it works : Gather your young artists and some paint (watercolors or liquid tempera) near a flowerbed. Watch them create their newest masterpiece!

How it promotes learning : Kids will hone their observation skills and learn about colors. Kiley recommends offering paintbrushes with a built-in grip to promote a mature grasp.

Let the fun begin

These 10 outdoor learning activities will have you having fun with your rug rats in no time. They won’t even realize you’re teaching them new skills instead of watching them tear up the house. Your search for educational opportunities for children might be a sign you should be doing this for a living.!

Related Articles:

• 37 Kid-Friendly Jokes to Tell Your ECE Class
• Fresh Air and Bright Minds: 10 Outdoor Learning Activities for Preschoolers
• 14 Fun Fall Activities for Preschoolers
• 16 Simple Science Activities for Kids that Will Pique Their Curiosity
• Get Movin': 15 Fun Fitness Activities for Kids
• Preschool Technology: Do's & Don'ts of Devices in the Classroom
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Ashley Brooks

Ashley is a freelance writer for Collegis education who writes student-focused articles on behalf of Rasmussen University. She believes in the power of words and knowledge and enjoys using both to encourage others on their learning journeys

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