Bring learning to life with our inspiring Early Years Space Outdoor Activities resource — designed to spark curiosity, imagination and active exploration through space-themed outdoor play. Perfect for nurseries, preschools, forest schools and home learning, this engaging collection of activities helps children discover the wonders of the universe while developing essential early years skills.
Children can blast off on imaginative missions, create moon craters in mud kitchens, build rocket ships from loose parts, hunt for stars in nature and explore sensory-rich cosmic play opportunities outdoors. Every activity encourages movement, communication, creativity and hands-on learning in natural environments.
Created for EYFS children, this resource supports key areas of development, including Understanding the World, Physical Development, Communication and Language, and Personal, Social and Emotional Development. Read the Ultimate Outdoor Learning Guide for Early Years.
Whether you are planning a space topic, outdoor learning week or child-led adventure, these activities make outdoor learning exciting, memorable and meaningful.
Helpful Guide: How to Use Early Years Space Outdoor Activities
Why Choose Space-Themed Outdoor Play?
Space captures children’s imaginations naturally. Combining space themes with outdoor learning creates exciting opportunities for exploration, problem-solving and sensory development while encouraging children to connect with the natural world. Do your children love superheroes? Discover our Outdoor Play Lanyards for get-up-and-go play.
Outdoor space activities help children:
- Build gross motor skills through active play
- Develop imagination and storytelling
- Encourage curiosity about science and nature
- Strengthen teamwork and communication
- Support emotional wellbeing through outdoor exploration
- Develop early STEM understanding through playful investigation
Easy Ways to Set Up Space Outdoor Activities
Create a Rocket Launch Area
Use crates, cardboard boxes, tyres and loose parts to build rockets children can climb into and role-play with.
Make Moon Craters
Fill trays or tuff spots with mud, sand or soil and add rocks, spoons and diggers for crater exploration.
Nature Star Hunt
Hide star shapes, silver objects or painted stones outdoors for children to discover using maps or clues.
Alien Small World Play
Create imaginative alien worlds using sticks, moss, stones, glow resources and sensory materials.
Planet Sensory Stations
Use coloured water, foam, glitter, ice or natural loose parts to represent different planets and textures.
Space Movement Games
Encourage children to move like astronauts, zoom like rockets or float like they are in zero gravity.
EYFS Links
These Early Years Space Outdoor Activities support:
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
- Understanding the World
- Expressive Arts and Design
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
They also encourage sustained shared thinking, problem-solving and imaginative play opportunities outdoors. Discover more Outdoor Baby Ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What age group are these space outdoor activities suitable for?
These activities are ideal for children aged 2–5 years within nursery, preschool and Reception settings, although many can be adapted for toddlers and older children.
Are these activities linked to the EYFS?
Yes. The activities are designed to support multiple EYFS learning areas through active, hands-on outdoor play.
Do I need expensive resources?
No. Most activities use low-cost materials, recycled items and natural loose parts commonly found in early years environments. No, this Outdoor Play Kit is all you need.
Can these activities be used in forest schools?
Absolutely. Many of the ideas work perfectly in forest school, woodland and outdoor classroom settings. Yes, try a specific early-years woodland games pack for ideas to get you started.
What skills do space outdoor activities support?
Children develop communication, creativity, physical coordination, problem-solving, teamwork and early STEM understanding through playful exploration.
Can I use these activities at home?
Yes. Families can easily recreate many of the ideas in gardens, parks or outdoor spaces using simple materials. We have a dedicated Parents Hub for more specific resources.
Why is outdoor learning important in the early years?
Outdoor learning supports wellbeing, confidence, resilience and physical development while giving children meaningful opportunities to explore and learn through play.
How can I make space themes more sensory for younger children?
Add textures, sounds, water play, mud, foam, lights, natural materials and movement-based experiences to create rich sensory exploration opportunities.
