Supporting early exploration, outdoor confidence and nature-based learning

Forest School is growing rapidly across the UK, but many educators and parents wonder how to adapt Forest School principles for very young children, especially toddlers. The good news? Toddlers absolutely thrive outdoors — and with the right structure, Forest School can support communication, independence, sensory development, movement skills and early curiosity.

This guide explores safe, simple and age-appropriate Forest School activities for toddlers, including practical tips and links to useful Muddy Puddle Teacher® resources to help you get started.

What Makes Forest School Suitable for Toddlers?

Forest School works for toddlers because it focuses on:

Child-led exploration
Sensory-rich learning
Repeating familiar routines
Open-ended play
Freedom to move and investigate
Risk awareness at an age-appropriate level

At toddler age (1–3 years), Forest School is less about structured tasks and more about curiosity, connection and confidence-building.

For those new to Forest School, explore our introduction guides and resources:
Forest School Resources Library: https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/category/outdoor-learning-resources/

How to Keep Toddlers Safe in a Forest School Setting

Safety is essential when working with under-3s. Keep your sessions simple and predictable with:

Clear boundaries and a small safe area
Constant visual supervision
No sharp tools
No high climbing
Short sessions (20–40 minutes depending on group)
Touch-safe plants and resources
Snack and rest options

Always check your site beforehand and remove any hazards.

20 Safe and Simple Forest School Activities for Toddlers

Below are toddler-friendly Forest School ideas that follow outdoor learning principles while keeping children safe.

1. Stick and Stone Collecting

Toddlers naturally love gathering objects. Provide a basket and invite children to collect safe sticks, pinecones, leaves or stones.

2. Leaf Throwing

Teach them to safely gather piles of dried leaves and throw them up in the air. Great for gross motor skills.

3. Mud Kitchen Play

Simple mud mixing, pouring and stirring builds early sensory and fine-motor skills.

Try our EYFS outdoor resources for more ideas:
https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/category/outdoor-learning-resources/

4. Nature Colour Match

Provide coloured card squares and let toddlers match natural items to each colour.

5. Listening Walk

Encourage children to stop, listen and point to sounds — birds, wind, rustling leaves.

6. Mini Bug Hunt

Turn over safe logs or look under leaves to spot worms, beetles or ants. No touching needed.

7. Puddle Jumping

After rain, puddle exploration becomes irresistible. Explore depth, splashing and movement.

8. Bark Rubbing

Use chunky crayons and thick paper to rub patterns from tree bark.

9. Stick Drumming

Tap sticks gently on logs or trees to explore sound.

10. Nature Sensory Tray

Fill a tray with natural items: moss, pebbles, cones, feathers. Allow gentle exploration.

11. Rolling Logs (With Support)

Adults roll small logs slowly while toddlers help push.

12. Nature Treasure Baskets

Create baskets with seasonal natural materials to explore textures and shapes.

13. Shadow Play

Use the sun to follow and dance with shadows — a wonderful early science activity.

14. Mud Stampers

Use safe wooden blocks or potato shapes to stamp patterns into mud.

15. Bird Watching Station

Create a simple bird-spotting area with binoculars (toy ones are fine).

16. Water Pouring

Bucket and cup pouring supports early maths and motor development.

17. Mini Beast Hotel Watching

Watch safely from the outside as tiny creatures move in and out of bug hotels.

18. Nature Trail Markers

Use sticks or coloured ribbons to create a toddler-friendly trail to follow.

19. Rock Washing Station

Give toddlers brushes and water to “wash” stones or pinecones.

20. Nature Heuristic Play

Let toddlers combine sticks, fabrics, stones and loose parts however they choose — pure early-years magic.

Tips for Running a Successful Toddler Forest School Session

Keep the pace slow and child-led
Offer predictable routines (same meeting spot, same opening ritual)
Keep instructions minimal
Celebrate small moments of curiosity
Provide warm, waterproof clothing
Observe rather than direct — toddlers are natural explorers

Want More Forest School Resources?

If you’re ready to deepen your outdoor practice, explore the Muddy Puddle Teacher® resources:

Outdoor Learning Resources Library:
https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/category/outdoor-learning-resources/

Forest School & Outdoor Training Courses:
https://themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk/outdoor-learning-training-packages/

Perfect for EYFS practitioners, parents, SEND teams and Forest School leaders wanting simple, achievable outdoor ideas.

Final Thoughts

Forest School for toddlers doesn’t need to be complicated. With simple routines, careful safety measures and a child-led approach, you can create magical outdoor experiences that boost early communication, physical development and emotional wellbeing.

If you’d like additional toddler outdoor ideas or a downloadable pack, just let me know — I’d be happy to create more for you.

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Forest School Activities for Toddlers: Safe and Simple Ideas (Complete Guide)