Looking for simple, engaging ways to take your class or group outside? Outdoor learning doesn’t need expensive equipment or special training — just a bit of creativity (and maybe some wellies!).
Here are 10 easy outdoor learning activities you can start as soon as tomorrow, perfect for EYFS and primary-aged children.
1️⃣ Nature Scavenger Hunt
Give children a list of items to find: a smooth stone, a yellow leaf, something rough, something that smells good. This develops observation skills, vocabulary, and teamwork.
Top tip: Include sensory clues like “find something soft” or “something that makes a sound.”
2️⃣ Mud Kitchen Maths
Combine messy play with numeracy! Children can measure, count, and estimate using mud, leaves, and water.
💡 Check out The Muddy Puddle Teacher for more outdoor maths ideas.
3️⃣ Outdoor Story Circles
Invite children to create stories inspired by natural objects they find: a stick might become a magic wand, or a stone could be a pet dragon egg!
This encourages language development and creative thinking.
4️⃣ Bug Hotel Building
Challenge children to design and build a small “hotel” for insects using sticks, leaves, and recycled materials.
Great for science, design technology, and environmental awareness.
5️⃣ Weather Station
Set up simple weather observations: measure rainfall in a plastic cup, track wind direction with ribbons, or record temperatures.
Children can graph the data and make predictions — linking perfectly to maths and science.
6️⃣ Leaf and Bark Rubbings
All you need is paper and crayons. Children can create beautiful patterns while learning about tree types and textures.
7️⃣ Sensory Walk
Encourage children to close their eyes (with supervision) and listen to birds, feel the ground underfoot, or smell flowers.
Discuss what they noticed afterwards to build descriptive language and mindfulness skills.
8️⃣ Nature Art Mandalas
Use natural materials to create beautiful circular art on the ground. This helps teach symmetry, patterns, and teamwork.
9️⃣ Outdoor Phonics or Spelling
Write letters or words on stones or sticks. Children can arrange them to spell words or practise sounds outdoors.
💡 Inspired by The Wildlife Trusts’ outdoor learning activities.
🔟 Create a Mini Garden
Children can plant seeds or bulbs in small pots or garden beds. This supports science topics (plant life cycles) and nurtures responsibility.
🌟 Why Take Learning Outdoors?
Outdoor learning builds confidence, enhances social skills, and supports physical and mental well-being. As highlighted by Forest School Association, it encourages child-led exploration and deeper engagement with the natural world.
✅ Ready to Get Started?
At Muddy Puddle Teacher, we specialise in easy, low-resource outdoor learning ideas for teachers and practitioners.
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