Support active learning and physical development with our exciting Early Years Gross Motor Skills Outdoor Activities resource — a fun-filled collection of movement-based activities designed to help children build strength, balance, coordination and confidence through outdoor play. Gain moe insight into our Early Years Outdoor Play Approach. Perfect for nurseries, preschools, Reception classes, forest schools and home learning, these engaging outdoor activities encourage children to jump, climb, balance, crawl, run, throw and explore while developing essential gross motor skills in natural environments.
Using simple equipment, loose parts and outdoor spaces, children can take part in obstacle courses, movement games, sensory adventures and imaginative active play that supports the EYFS through meaningful hands-on experiences. Looking for more early years physical development ideas? We have fun, early years bike-themed resource packs that we think you will really enjoy.
Designed for early years children, this resource promotes physical wellbeing, communication, teamwork and resilience while making outdoor learning active, exciting and developmentally appropriate.
Whether you are planning daily outdoor provision, physical development activities or nature-inspired movement play, this resource provides endless ideas to keep children moving and learning outdoors.
Helpful Guide: Supporting Gross Motor Skills Outdoors in the Early Years
Why Are Gross Motor Skills Important?
Gross motor skills involve the large muscles used for movement, balance and coordination. These skills help children develop control over their bodies and form the foundation for everyday tasks such as walking, climbing, sitting, running and later fine motor development.
Outdoor environments provide the perfect space for children to move freely, take risks safely and strengthen physical confidence through play.
Outdoor gross motor play helps children to:
- Build balance and coordination
- Strengthen muscles and core stability
- Improve spatial awareness
- Develop confidence and resilience
- Support emotional wellbeing
- Encourage teamwork and communication
- Improve concentration and self-regulation
Easy Outdoor Gross Motor Activities
Obstacle Courses
Use tyres, crates, logs, planks and cones to create simple movement pathways for climbing, balancing and crawling.
Nature Movement Hunts
Encourage children to hop like rabbits, stomp like dinosaurs or slither like snakes during outdoor adventures. Outdoor Scavenger and treasure hunts are also great opportunities for movement.
Water Carrying Challenges
Use buckets, cups and watering cans to strengthen arm muscles and coordination through playful water transport activities.
Balance Pathways
Create balancing trails using logs, stepping stones, chalk lines or planks.
Ball Games
Throwing, catching, rolling and kicking games help develop coordination and body control.
Parachute and Movement Games
Encourage teamwork, movement and listening skills through active group play.
Loose Parts Construction
Lifting, carrying and building with loose parts strengthens muscles and promotes problem-solving.
Benefits of Outdoor Gross Motor Play
These activities help children to:
- Develop body strength and coordination
- Improve balance and movement control
- Build confidence through active exploration
- Support healthy physical development
- Encourage social interaction and teamwork
- Strengthen listening and communication skills
- Promote wellbeing through outdoor movement
EYFS Links
This resource supports key EYFS learning areas including:
- Physical Development
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Communication and Language
- Understanding the World
Activities encourage active play, movement exploration and child-led learning outdoors. Learn more in the Outdoor Early Years Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group are these gross motor activities suitable for?
These activities are ideal for children aged 2–5 years in nursery, preschool and Reception settings, although many can be adapted for toddlers and older children.
Why are gross motor skills important in the early years?
Gross motor skills support physical strength, balance, coordination and confidence, helping children develop essential everyday movement skills.
Can these activities be used outdoors every day?
Yes. Many activities are simple to set up as part of continuous outdoor provision and daily active play.
Do I need expensive equipment?
No. Most activities use loose parts, recycled materials and natural resources commonly found in early years environments.
Are these activities linked to the EYFS?
Yes. The activities support Physical Development and several other EYFS learning areas through active outdoor play.
Can these activities be used in forest schools?
Absolutely. Many ideas work perfectly in woodland, forest school and outdoor classroom environments.
How does outdoor movement support wellbeing?
Outdoor physical play helps children release energy, reduce stress, build resilience and support emotional wellbeing through active exploration.
Can parents use these activities at home?
Yes. Many of the activities are easy to recreate in gardens, parks or outdoor spaces using simple household items and natural materials. Parents can find themed packs in our Outdoor Ideas for Parents Hub.
