Looking for forest school games for children? Forest school games are a brilliant way to help children build confidence, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, physical skills and a stronger connection with nature.
This resource gives teachers, forest school leaders, outdoor learning practitioners and early years staff simple forest school game ideas that can be used in school grounds, nurseries, woodland spaces, playgrounds, fields or outdoor learning areas. New to Forest School? Learn more with this Beginners Guide to Forest School.
What are forest school games?
Forest school games are outdoor activities that help children explore, move, communicate, cooperate and learn through nature.
They might include:
- listening games
- movement games
- team-building games
- nature hunts
- hiding games
- sensory games
- problem-solving games
- storytelling games
- observation games
- seasonal outdoor games
Forest school games do not always need tools, fire or a woodland.
Many can be played with simple natural materials such as sticks, stones, leaves, pine cones, logs, mud, chalk and open space. Make a start, download now, take a 60-day free trial.
Why are forest school games important?
Forest school games help children learn in active, practical and memorable ways.
They can support:
- confidence
- resilience
- communication
- turn-taking
- teamwork
- listening
- physical development
- emotional regulation
- problem-solving
- creativity
- risk awareness
- nature connection
- social skills
- wellbeing
Children are not just “running around”.
They are learning how to listen, cooperate, notice, respond, lead, follow, solve problems and manage themselves outdoors.
New to forest school games? Start here
If forest school games feel overwhelming, start small.
You do not need a huge woodland.
You do not need expensive equipment.
You do not need to plan a full afternoon.
You do not need to know 50 games straight away.
Start with one simple game and repeat it until children know the routine.
Try:
- a nature listening game
- a simple team challenge
- a leaf or stick hunt
- a follow-the-leader trail
- a calm circle game outdoors
The best forest school games are often simple, repeatable and easy for children to understand.
Try this tomorrow
Forest School Sound Hunt
Take children outside and ask them to stand or sit quietly for one minute.
Ask them to listen carefully and count how many sounds they can hear.
They might notice:
- birds
- wind
- leaves
- footsteps
- voices
- rain
- traffic
- insects
- trees moving
Then ask:
“What was the quietest sound?”
“What was the loudest sound?”
“What sound made you feel calm?”
“What sound did you notice first?”
Time: 5–10 minutes
Prep: None
Learning: Listening, attention, mindfulness, vocabulary and nature connection
This is a simple forest school game that can calm the group, build observation skills and help children tune into the outdoor environment.
Forest school games without giving too much away
The full 50 Forest School Games resource gives you a wide range of outdoor games to use across the year.
Inside the resource, you will find simple, practical forest school games linked to:
- movement
- teamwork
- communication
- nature connection
- sensory learning
- problem-solving
- wellbeing
- seasonal outdoor play
- imagination
- physical development
The games are designed to be realistic for busy teachers, nursery staff, outdoor learning leads and forest school practitioners. Make a start, download now, take a 60-day free trial.
Forest school games for EYFS
Forest school games work beautifully in EYFS because young children learn through play, movement, sensory exploration and real experiences.
For EYFS, keep games:
- short
- simple
- active
- repetitive
- sensory
- playful
- easy to model
Children might go on a leaf hunt, copy animal movements, listen for outdoor sounds, collect natural treasures, follow a simple trail or play a hide-and-seek style nature game.
The focus should be on exploration, language, confidence and joy.
Forest school games for KS1
KS1 children can begin to use forest school games to build cooperation, independence and problem-solving.
Forest school games for KS1 might include:
- team challenges
- nature scavenger hunts
- den-building games
- outdoor story games
- memory games
- partner trails
- observation challenges
- seasonal games
These games can support communication, listening, resilience and curriculum-linked outdoor learning.
Forest school games for KS2
Forest school games can also work well for KS2 children, especially when they involve leadership, teamwork and challenge.
Older children may enjoy:
- problem-solving trails
- group survival challenges
- nature investigation games
- mapping activities
- team strategy games
- outdoor wellbeing games
- communication challenges
- environmental games
For KS2, forest school games can support confidence, collaboration, leadership and resilience.
Forest school games for SEND
Forest school games can be especially supportive for children with SEND.
Outdoor games can offer:
- movement
- sensory input
- space
- communication opportunities
- emotional regulation
- social interaction
- confidence-building
- practical learning
- predictable routines
Some children who struggle indoors may shine during outdoor games.
They may notice tiny details.
They may lead a nature hunt.
They may communicate more freely while moving.
They may feel calmer outside.
They may join in more when learning feels active and purposeful.
Forest school games can also be adapted easily for different needs by changing the pace, group size, instructions, resources or level of adult support.
Do forest school games need tools or fire?
No.
Many forest school games can be played without tools, fire or specialist equipment.
You can use:
- sticks
- stones
- leaves
- feathers
- logs
- mud
- chalk
- hoops
- cones
- ropes
- fabric
- natural loose parts
- open space
If you are using tools, ropes, fire or higher-risk forest school activities, they should always be led by trained, competent adults following your setting’s policies and risk assessments.
Outdoor learning games and the curriculum
Forest school games can link to many curriculum areas.
They can support:
- science through observation, habitats, weather, plants and minibeasts
- maths through counting, sorting, measuring, shape and patterns
- literacy through storytelling, vocabulary, listening and instructions
- PE through movement, balance, coordination and teamwork
- PSHE through communication, cooperation and wellbeing
- geography through mapping, trails and place-based learning
- art through natural materials, pattern and creativity
A simple forest school game can often cover several learning areas at once.
That is what makes outdoor learning so powerful.
Forest school games and behaviour
Forest school games can help children who need movement, purpose and connection.
Some children struggle with long periods of sitting, listening or completing tasks indoors.
Outdoor games can help children:
- release energy safely
- follow simple rules
- practise turn-taking
- learn boundaries
- work with others
- regulate through movement
- build positive relationships with adults
- feel successful
This does not mean outdoor games are a “reward”.
They are a meaningful part of learning.
Keeping forest school games simple
The best forest school games do not need to be complicated.
A strong outdoor game usually has:
- a clear purpose
- simple rules
- enough movement
- opportunities to talk
- space for curiosity
- a natural link to the outdoor area
- time for children to repeat and improve
Do not worry about making every game perfect.
Start with one game, observe how children respond, then adapt it. For more ideas head to the Forest School Hub.
Download 50 Forest School Games
If you would like the full activity pack, you can download 50 Forest School Games inside The Muddy Puddle Teacher.
You can start with a 60-day free trial and explore forest school activities, outdoor learning resources, nature-based games, SEND support and practical lesson ideas straight away.
Inside the full resource, you will find forest school games for:
- EYFS
- KS1
- KS2
- SEND
- nurture groups
- outdoor learning sessions
- nature clubs
- forest school-style provision
- playgrounds and school grounds
Ready to play forest school games?
Forest school games can help children move, talk, notice, cooperate, imagine and connect with nature.
Start small.
Use what you have.
Repeat simple games.
Let children learn through movement and play.
Download the full 50 Forest School Games resource with your 60-day free trial today.
FAQs
What are forest school games?
Forest school games are outdoor activities that help children learn through nature, movement, teamwork, observation, imagination and play. They can be used in woodland, school grounds, playgrounds, fields or outdoor learning areas. For more ideas head to the Forest School Hub.
What are good forest school games for children?
Good forest school games include nature hunts, listening games, movement games, team challenges, storytelling games, den-building games, sensory games and outdoor problem-solving activities.
Do I need a forest to play forest school games?
No. Many forest school games can be played in a playground, garden, school field, courtyard, local park or small outdoor space.
Are forest school games suitable for EYFS?
Yes. Forest school games are ideal for EYFS when they are short, active, sensory and playful. They can support language, physical development, confidence and social skills.
Can forest school games be used in primary school?
Yes. Forest school games can be adapted for KS1 and KS2 to support teamwork, outdoor learning, science, literacy, maths, PE, wellbeing and problem-solving.
Can forest school games support SEND?
Yes. Forest school games can support children with SEND by offering movement, sensory experiences, communication opportunities, regulation and practical ways to join in learning.
Do forest school games need equipment?
Many forest school games need very little equipment. You can use natural materials such as sticks, stones, leaves, logs and mud, as well as simple resources like hoops, cones, ropes or chalk.
Are forest school games the same as outdoor learning games?
They are closely linked. Forest school games often focus on nature connection, exploration, play and outdoor skills, while outdoor learning games may also link directly to curriculum subjects.
Can forest school games help with behaviour?
Yes. Forest school games can support behaviour by giving children movement, purpose, clear boundaries, teamwork and opportunities to regulate outdoors.
Where can I download forest school games?
You can download the full 50 Forest School Games resource inside The Muddy Puddle Teacher with a 60-day free trial.
