Outdoor Learning Activities, Ideas and Training for Schools, Nurseries and Families

Explore FREE Outdoor Learning Activities and Ideas

Our blog is full of practical outdoor learning ideas for teachers, nursery practitioners, childminders, SEND teams, forest school leaders and parents. Looking for outdoor learning and research?  Explore – The Evidence Behind Outdoor Learning. 

You can explore ideas for outdoor phonics, outdoor maths, outdoor writing, seasonal learning, nature play, behaviour support, sensory regulation, early years provision, forest school activities and simple ways to get children learning beyond four walls.

We keep the ideas realistic, low-cost and easy to adapt, because outdoor learning should support staff, not add to workload.

Do you want to make your classroom fun and engaging, but do not have the time? Our teachers have done all the work for you; all you have to do is teach. Download your resources now. 

What do you need help with today?

I am new to outdoor learning – where do I start? 

Try exploring our Beginners Guides to Outdoor Learning, Beginners Guides to Outdoor Play, Beginners Guides to SEND Outdoors, Beginners Guides to Forest School and our Supporting Parents to get Children Outdoors Guide. You could also make a start downloading now and take a 60-day free trial.

I am looking just for free stuff for now

Sure, we love to help you get your children outdoors.  Explore our FREE Outdoor Learning Hub.  Where you will find free handbooks, blogs, information, podcast and the chance to sign up to our free weekly magazine. 

I want some lesson ideas to take outdoors 
No problem.  We have thousands of lesson ideas waiting for you.  All created by expert teachers and outdoor learning specialists.  We provide activities for babies to Year 6 and specialist resources for SEND learners.  As well as Forest School Resources and parent ideas for weekends and holidays. 

I need outdoor learning training
Accredited CPD, INSET days and practical staff training for schools and nurseries. Face-to-Face or Online Options. Whole School and Individual options.  All based around the trademarked Muddy Puddle Teacher Approach. Outdoor Learning and Outdoor Play Programmes.

I teach EYFS
Outdoor play, sensory learning, continuous provision and child-led learning ideas. From babies to reception, we specialise in how you easily manage but also gain optimum learning opportunities outdoors via play and focus teaching. You could also make a start downloading now and take a 60-day free trial.

Outdoor learning is a way of teaching and learning that takes place outside the traditional classroom. It uses natural environments—like school grounds, parks, and woodland areas—to bring lessons to life through hands-on, real-world experiences.

Rather than sitting at desks, children learn by exploring, investigating, and engaging with the world around them. This might include measuring in maths using natural materials, developing literacy through storytelling outdoors, or building problem-solving skills through play and teamwork.

At The Muddy Puddle Teacher, we take this a step further. We offer a unique, structured approach to outdoor learning, specifically designed for nurseries and primary schools. Our method supports teachers in delivering the curriculum outdoors in a way that is practical, engaging, and easy to implement—without needing extensive equipment or extra time.

Outdoor learning supports the whole child. It helps to build:

• confidence and independence
• physical health and wellbeing
• creativity and curiosity
• communication and social skills

At its heart, outdoor learning makes education active, meaningful, and memorable—helping children connect what they learn in the classroom with the real world around them. Make a start downloading outdoor lesson ideas now and take a 60-day free trial.

Or read some of our expert-created out-of-the-classroom handbooks and guidelines to help you navigate the barriers to teaching more outside. 

See Our Muddy Puddle Teacher® Trained Schools

We are proud to have trained schools, early years settings and educators across the UK and Europe using The Muddy Puddle Teacher® approach. Explore the map to see just some of the schools and settings who are bringing outdoor learning, play and inclusive teaching to life with us.

From small nurseries to large primary schools, our training helps educators use the outdoors to support curriculum learning, wellbeing, SEND, behaviour, creativity and confidence — whatever the weather. Make a start downloading outdoor lesson ideas now and take a 60-day free trial.

Bring the curriculum to life with engaging outdoor learning activities designed for KS1 and KS2. Our ready-to-use lesson plans for outdoor learning take the stress out of planning, giving teachers creative, curriculum-linked outdoor lesson ideas that inspire curiosity, teamwork, and active learning. From maths trails to literacy adventures, our resources make it easy to turn any outdoor space into a dynamic classroom. Discover 100 outdoor learning ideas.

All of our resources are created by teachers and founded by MP Award winning teacher Sarah Seaman PGCE/MA. Explore her range of books with Bloomsbury. Packed with practical, high-quality outdoor learning resources, our lesson plans help you deliver meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom walls. Learn more about the key to success when you teach outside of the classroom. Whether you’re new to outdoor learning or looking to expand your provision, our expertly created materials save time, boost engagement, and support outstanding teaching across KS1 and KS2.

Explore the posts below to find teacher-created, curriculum linked outdoor activities and outdoor lesson plans on all subject areas. 

Click on the posts below to get more innovative KS1 outdoor ideas and KS2 outdoor lesson plans in all areas of the curriculum.

What Is Outdoor Learning? A Simple Guide

Outdoor learning is an approach to education that takes place outside the traditional classroom. Instead of sitting at desks, learners explore, discover, and engage with the natural environment—whether that’s a forest, park, beach, or even a school playground.

At its core, outdoor learning is about experiential education. It encourages people to learn by doing—observing wildlife, building shelters, solving real-world problems, and connecting with nature in a meaningful way. This hands-on approach helps deepen understanding and makes learning more memorable.

Why Outdoor Learning Matters

Outdoor learning offers a wide range of benefits for both children and adults:

• Improves physical health through movement and fresh air
• Boosts mental wellbeing by reducing stress and increasing focus
• Encourages creativity and curiosity through open-ended exploration
• Builds confidence and resilience by facing new challenges
• Enhances social skills through teamwork and communication

In a world where screen time is increasing, outdoor learning provides a valuable opportunity to reconnect with the environment and develop essential life skills.

What Does Outdoor Learning Look Like?

Outdoor learning can take many forms, including:

• Forest school sessions
• Nature walks and environmental studies
• Team-building activities and outdoor challenges
• Gardening and sustainability projects
• Outdoor classrooms and lessons across subjects such as maths and English

It can be structured or unstructured, guided by educators or led by learners themselves.

Outdoor Learning for All Ages

While often associated with schools, outdoor learning is not just for children. It is equally valuable for adults, families, and organisations looking to improve wellbeing, teamwork, and connection with nature.

What is outdoor play?

Outdoor play is play based learning activities that are conducted outside utilising the benfits of an outdoor space. Explore 100 Outdoor play ideas in our blog. 

What are the benefits of outdoor learning?

Outdoor learning improves engagement, supports mental wellbeing, builds confidence, and helps develop key life skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience. It can also enhance academic understanding through real-world experiences. Discover more benefits to outdoor learning

Is outdoor learning part of the curriculum?

Yes, outdoor learning can support many areas of the curriculum, including science, geography, maths, and literacy. It’s often used to bring subjects to life in a more practical and engaging way. Try some top 30 outdoor ideas to start your journey. 

Is outdoor learning safe?

When properly planned and supervised, outdoor learning is very safe. Explore saftery advice, risk assessments, trained staff, and clear guidelines ensure that activities are both safe and beneficial.

What age groups is outdoor learning suitable for?

Outdoor learning is suitable for all ages—from early years through to adults. Activities can be adapted to suit different abilities, learning goals, and group sizes.

What is a forest school?

Forest school is a specific type of outdoor learning that takes place in a woodland setting. It focuses on child-led learning, exploration, and developing confidence through regular sessions in nature. Learn more about the joys of forest school.

Does outdoor learning require special equipment?

Not necessarily. Many outdoor learning activities use natural materials found in the environment. Some sessions may include simple tools or resources, depending on the activity.

How often should outdoor learning take place?

This can vary depending on the setting. Some schools incorporate outdoor learning weekly, while others use it more regularly. Even occasional sessions can have a positive impact.

Can outdoor learning take place in urban areas?

Yes, outdoor learning doesn’t require remote wilderness. School grounds, local parks, and community spaces can all be used effectively for outdoor learning.

How can we get started with outdoor learning?

Start small by taking lessons outside, using natural materials, or exploring local green spaces. Working with experienced outdoor learning providers can also help you build confidence and structure your approach. Explore more resources in our planning hub.