EYFS Outdoor Learning Activities for Early Years

Let’s Play Outdoors!

Outdoor learning in EYFS plays a vital role in supporting children’s development across all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. By taking learning outside, practitioners can create rich, engaging experiences that promote curiosity, independence and a love of learning from an early age. This page is designed to support you with practical outdoor learning ideas for EYFS, along with resources and guidance to help you build a strong outdoor provision.

In the early years, children learn best through play, exploration and active engagement. Outdoor learning provides the perfect environment for this, offering space, freedom and opportunities that are often not possible indoors. Whether it’s building, digging, climbing, or investigating nature, outdoor experiences allow children to develop key skills in a natural and meaningful way.

Outdoor learning in EYFS supports all seven areas of learning. For example, communication and language can be developed through collaborative play and storytelling outdoors. Physical development is enhanced through activities such as climbing, balancing and using large equipment. Personal, social and emotional development is strengthened as children work together, solve problems and build confidence in new environments.

Literacy and maths can also be easily integrated into outdoor learning. Children can practise mark-making using chalk, water or mud, and develop early writing skills in a low-pressure, creative way. Maths can be explored through counting natural objects, comparing sizes, and solving real-life problems such as building structures or measuring materials.

A well-planned outdoor environment is key to successful EYFS outdoor learning. This doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Simple enhancements such as adding loose parts, natural materials and open-ended resources can transform your outdoor space into a rich learning environment. The focus should be on creating opportunities for exploration rather than directing every activity.

Outdoor learning also supports children’s well-being. Being outside has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood and increase engagement. For many children, the outdoor environment provides a sense of freedom and calm that helps them to regulate emotions and build resilience.

On this page, you’ll find a range of outdoor learning EYFS activities, ideas and resources to support your teaching. Whether you’re looking for inspiration for your continuous provision or structured activities to meet specific learning objectives, these resources will help you deliver high-quality outdoor learning experiences.

Outdoor Learning in EYFS

Outdoor learning provides children with opportunities to explore, investigate and take risks in a safe and supportive environment. It encourages curiosity, independence and confidence, while supporting all areas of learning. Is messy play your thing? Get help in aiding others to the importance of messy play with this guidebook. 

By using the outdoor environment effectively, practitioners can create rich learning experiences that build on children’s interests and natural curiosity.

Outdoor Actvities in Maths

Outdoor maths activities help children develop early number skills through practical, hands-on experiences. Using natural materials and open-ended resources allows children to explore counting, number recognition and simple problem-solving. Are you unsure what to do on rainy days?  No problem, we are the experts. Explore our Rainy Day Handbook. 

These activities are ideal for developing mathematical understanding in a fun and engaging way. Explore our top 10 Maths ideas for EYFS. 

 Explore EYFS outdoor maths activities here:

Outdoor Phonics & Literacy EYFS

Taking phonics and literacy outdoors can have a huge impact on engagement and confidence. Children can explore sounds, letters and storytelling through active, play-based learning. We have been leading in the Outdoor Learning field for over 9 years – head to our expert teacher- led Lesson Ideas Pack for more support. 

Outdoor environments provide the perfect space for mark-making, early writing and language development.

 Explore EYFS phonics and literacy activities here:

Outdoor Understanding of the World

Outdoor Physical Development Play Ideas

Outdoor learning naturally supports physical development, allowing children to build strength, coordination and confidence through active play.

Climbing, balancing, running and exploring all contribute to gross motor development in a meaningful way.

 Explore physical development activities here:

Outdoor Understanding the World Activities

Outdoor maths activities help children develop early number skills through practical, hands-on experiences. Using natural materials and open-ended resources allows children to explore counting, number recognition and simple problem-solving.

These activities are ideal for developing mathematical understanding in a fun and engaging way.

 Explore EYFS outdoor maths activities here:

Seasonal EYFS Outdoor Lesson Ideas

Seasonal activities help children connect with nature and experience changes throughout the year.

Autumn Activities

Explore leaves, colours and natural materials through creative and sensory play.
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Winter Activities

Encourage exploration and problem-solving in colder weather.
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Spring Activities

Discover growth, change and new life through outdoor exploration.
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Summer Activities

Take advantage of warmer weather with active, hands-on learning.
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Forest School in EYFS

Forest school approaches are particularly effective in EYFS, allowing children to lead their own learning and explore at their own pace.

These activities focus on building confidence, independence and a connection with nature through regular outdoor experiences. We have some very experienced and knowledgeable teacher-created handbooks to help you navigate Forest School in early years here.

 Explore EYFS forest school activities here:

Outdoor Continuous Provision and Outdoor Play 

Looking for ready-made activities and lesson plans?

Our EYFS outdoor learning resources are designed to save you time and provide engaging, curriculum-linked ideas that are ready to use.

 Browse EYFS outdoor learning resources here:

Outdoor Learning & Outdoor Play Training 

If you’re looking to develop your confidence in delivering outdoor learning in EYFS, explore our training courses designed for early years practitioners.

 View EYFS outdoor learning training here: