Free Outdoor Learning Hub
Free Outdoor Learning Activities, Ideas and Inspiration for Teachers, Parents and Educators.
Looking for free outdoor learning activities you can use straight away? Welcome to The Muddy Puddle Teacher Free Outdoor Learning Activities Hub, a simple place to find outdoor learning ideas, teaching tips, nature-based inspiration, podcast episodes, free blogs, social media ideas and our free weekly magazine.
Whether you are an Early Years practitioner, KS1 teacher, KS2 teacher, Forest School leader, childminder, home educator or parent, this hub will help you get children outside, learning through movement, nature, play and real-world experiences.
Outdoor learning does not have to be complicated. You do not need an expensive outdoor classroom, a full Forest School site or hours of planning time. You can start with one idea, one space and one small step outdoors.
Free Beginner Guides Help You Start
If you are new to outdoor learning, begin with short, simple activities. You might take phonics outside using chalk, practise counting with leaves, create a nature picture, go on a seasonal noticing walk, use sticks for measuring, collect natural objects for sorting or use the weather as a starting point for discussion.
The key is not to do everything at once. The best outdoor learning often starts with one small activity that helps children feel successful outside.
A five-minute outdoor task can build confidence. A weekly outdoor lesson can change children’s engagement. A simple nature-based activity can support children who struggle indoors.
This hub is here to help you find those first steps. We have beginner guides for Early Years, KS1, KS2, SEND, Forest School and guides for home settings and parents.
Sign Up for Our Free Weekly Outdoor Learning Magazine
Our free weekly Muddy Puddle Teacher Magazine is a brilliant starting point if you want regular outdoor learning ideas without feeling overwhelmed.
Each week, the magazine shares topical and seasonal inspiration for Early Years, KS1, KS2, Forest School and home settings. It is designed to give you simple ideas you can use in the week ahead, linked to what is happening in the season, the weather, special days, nature, school life and children’s interests.
The magazine is perfect for teachers who want quick outdoor learning ideas, childminders looking for fresh inspiration, parents wanting weekend and holiday activities, home educators planning nature-based learning and Forest School leaders wanting seasonal prompts.
Sign up for the free magazine and start building outdoor learning into your week.
Listen to Our Free Teacher CPD Podcast
The Muddy Puddle Teacher Podcast is another free way to get inspired. It is full of conversations, reflections and ideas about outdoor learning, teaching, play, inclusion, SEND, Early Years, child development and how to make learning feel more joyful.
The podcast is ideal for educators who want to learn while walking the dog, driving to school, tidying the classroom, planning at home or taking a quick wellbeing break.
If you are interested in outdoor learning but do not know where to begin, listening to the podcast can help you understand the bigger picture. You will hear ideas, stories and practical encouragement to help you feel braver about taking learning outside.
Let’s chat about the 7 Strands with June O’Sullivan MBE
What does excellent early years practice really look like, and how can settings build an approach that supports the child, family, workforce and wider community? In this thought-provoking episode of the Outdoor Learning Podcast Hub. , Sarah Seaman speaks with Dr June...
Let’s Play Outside with Greg Bottrill
Let’s Play Outside with Greg Bottrill What happens when adults step back, trust children and give play the time and space it deserves? In this inspiring episode of the Outdoor Learning Podcast, Sarah Seaman speaks with early years author, trainer and childhood...
Outdoor Learning Podcast: Let’ talk all things Muddy!
The world has been crying out for an Outdoor Learning podcast and finally, here it is! This is the very first episode of The Muddy Puddle Teacher podcast with teacher, consultant, mum and author Sarah Seaman. Mum of two little ones and in 2018 she created an outdoor...
Explore Our Free Outdoor Learning Blog
Our free blog is full of outdoor learning ideas, tips and guidance for teachers, parents, childminders, home educators and school leaders.
You will find ideas for EYFS outdoor learning, KS1 outdoor learning, KS2 outdoor learning, Forest School activities, SEND outdoor learning, outdoor play, seasonal learning, nature activities, curriculum-linked outdoor teaching and simple ways to get started.
The blog is designed to be helpful without overwhelming you. You can read one post, take one idea and try it with your children tomorrow.
If you are looking for free outdoor learning activities, outdoor classroom ideas, nature learning tips or simple outdoor teaching inspiration, the blog is a great place to begin.
Outdoor Learning Case Study: Landywood Primary School
Case Study: Unlocking Active Learning at Landywood Primary School, Great Wyrley As part of our wider work supporting schools to understand what outdoor learning looks like in practice, this case study explores the journey of Landywood Primary School—a school committed...
Case Study: Outdoor Learning at Our Lady’s Catholic School, Dartford
Case Study: Reigniting a Love for Learning at Our Lady’s Catholic School, Dartford As part of our wider work supporting schools to understand what outdoor learning really looks like in practice, this case study highlights the journey of Our Lady’s Catholic...
Early Years Outdoor Training: Join Me at the Sheffield Play Conference
Outdoor learning is at the heart of meaningful early years practice. It supports children’s wellbeing, builds resilience, and creates rich opportunities for exploration and discovery. That’s why I’m so excited to be delivering a workshop focused on early years outdoor...
Outdoor Learning Knowledge & Advice Hub
Have a question about outdoor learning, teaching, early years or taking the curriculum outside?
Our Muddy Puddle Teacher Knowledge Hub is here to help. Think of it as your outdoor learning “ask anything” space, full of guidance, ideas, answers and support for educators who want to teach in a more active, inclusive and child-led way.
Whether you are new to outdoor learning or looking for fresh ideas for EYFS, primary, SEND, behaviour, play, phonics, maths or curriculum links, you will find support here.
Explore the Knowledge Hub and start finding the answers you need
What Is the Research Behind Outdoor Learning in Primary Schools?
What Is the Research Behind Outdoor Learning in Primary Schools? Outdoor learning in primary schools has gained significant attention over recent years due to its numerous educational and developmental benefits. This approach involves taking students outside the...
What Is Outdoor Learning in Primary Schools?
What Is Outdoor Learning in Primary Schools? Outdoor learning in primary schools involves taking children outside the traditional classroom setting to engage in structured and unstructured activities that promote holistic development. This educational approach...
What is Outdoor Learning in Early Years?
What Is Outdoor Learning in Early Years? Outdoor learning in early years education involves taking children outside to engage in structured and unstructured activities that promote physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development. This approach utilises the...
Dive Into Free Outdoor Learning Beginners Guides
Our free blog is full of outdoor learning ideas, tips and guidance for teachers, parents, childminders, home educators and school leaders.
You will find ideas for EYFS outdoor learning, KS1 outdoor learning, KS2 outdoor learning, Forest School activities, SEND outdoor learning, outdoor play, seasonal learning, nature activities, curriculum-linked outdoor teaching and simple ways to get started.
The blog is designed to be helpful without overwhelming you. You can read one post, take one idea and try it with your children tomorrow.
If you are looking for free outdoor learning activities, outdoor classroom ideas, nature learning tips or simple outdoor teaching inspiration, the blog is a great place to begin.
Explore some free beginner guides to outdoor learning and outdoor play:
– Beginners Guide to Early Years Outdoors
– Beginners Guide to Forest School
– Beginners Guide to Outdoor Learning
– Beginners Guide to SEND Outdoors
– Free Parents Guide to Supporting Children Outdoors
Follow our Free Outdoor Ideas on Social Media
We also share free outdoor learning ideas, tips, reminders and encouragement across our social media channels.
This is where you can find quick inspiration, seasonal prompts, behind-the-scenes teaching ideas, practical reminders and simple ways to make outdoor learning feel part of everyday life.
Social media is ideal if you want bite-sized outdoor learning ideas that you can save, share or come back to later. It can also help you feel part of a wider community of educators who believe children need more movement, nature, play and real-world learning.
Follow The Muddy Puddle Teacher for regular outdoor learning inspiration, free ideas and encouragement to take learning outside.
Free Outdoor Learning Teacher TV
Free outdoor learning demonstrations for all educators. From babies to juniors, join us on our YouTube channel and watch some activities as they happen.
We have a sample of resources you can download now for free to help you balance the indoors with the outdoors, keep your children active and learn more about one another in the meantime.
Free Outdoor Learning Course
Outdoor learning does not have to mean rewriting your whole curriculum, building a forest school, buying expensive equipment or being outside all day. Sometimes, the best place to start is with one simple lesson, one calm routine and one small shift in how children learn.
Our free outdoor learning course has been created for teachers, teaching assistants, early years practitioners, childminders, SEND staff and school leaders who want to bring more learning outside but are not sure where to begin.
You may already know that your children are calmer, happier and more engaged outdoors, but you might also be wondering how to fit outdoor learning into a busy timetable, how to manage behaviour outside, what resources you need, how to keep children safe, or how to make it meaningful rather than just “extra playtime”.
That is exactly where this Level 1 Starter Course helps.
It gives you a gentle, practical introduction to outdoor learning so you can start small, build confidence and begin using your outdoor space as part of everyday teaching.
For more support, you may also want to explore our Outdoor Learning Training, Outdoor Learning Advice Hub.
Make a Start Today! We have thousands of outdoor lesson ideas waiting for you.
KS1 Outdoor Data Handling Pack
Bring maths to life with this engaging KS1 Outdoor Data Handling Pack, designed to help children in Years 1 and 2 explore early data skills through active, hands-on outdoor learning. This practical resource takes data handling beyond the classroom, using natural...
EYFS Shape Outdoor Learning Pack
Support early maths development through play with this engaging EYFS Shape Outdoor Learning Pack. Designed for Nursery and Reception, this resource helps young children explore shape, space and early geometry concepts through hands-on experiences in the outdoor...
KS2 Shape Outdoor Learning Ideas Pack
Transform the way you teach geometry with this practical and engaging KS2 Shape Outdoor Learning Pack. Designed to take maths beyond the classroom, this resource helps children explore shape, space and measure through active, hands-on experiences in the outdoor...
FAQ : FREE Outdoor Learning Ideas
What are outdoor learning activities?
Outdoor learning activities are teaching or play-based activities that use the outdoors to support children’s learning, wellbeing and development. They can include nature activities, movement games, outdoor maths, outdoor literacy, science investigations, Forest School ideas, sensory play and creative tasks.
Are these outdoor learning ideas free?
Yes, The Muddy Puddle Teacher offers free outdoor learning support through our free magazine, free podcast, free blog and free social media ideas. These are designed to help educators and families get started with outdoor learning.
Who can use outdoor learning activities?
Outdoor learning activities can be used by Early Years practitioners, teachers, teaching assistants, SEND staff, Forest School leaders, childminders, parents, carers and home educators.
Do I need a big outdoor space?
No, you do not need a large outdoor area. Outdoor learning can happen in a playground, garden, nursery yard, school field, local park, woodland, small paved space or community green area.
Can outdoor learning support the curriculum?
Yes, outdoor learning can support maths, literacy, science, geography, art, PE, wellbeing, communication, social skills, SEND support and much more. It helps children experience learning in a practical and memorable way.
Is outdoor learning suitable for SEND?
Yes, outdoor learning can be very supportive for many children with SEND because it offers movement, sensory experiences, regulation opportunities, visual learning, practical tasks and flexible ways to engage.
How do I start outdoor learning?
Start small. Choose one short outdoor activity, keep it simple, use the space you already have and build from there. Signing up for the free Muddy Puddle Teacher Magazine is a good way to get regular ideas and inspiration.
What is the best free outdoor learning resource?
The best free outdoor learning resource is one you will actually use. Our free weekly magazine is a great starting point because it gives you regular, topical outdoor learning ideas for different ages and settings.
Start Your Free Outdoor Learning Journey Today
If you are looking for free outdoor learning activities, simple outdoor classroom ideas, EYFS outdoor learning inspiration, KS1 and KS2 outdoor learning support, Forest School ideas or nature-based activities for home, you are in the right place.
Sign up for our free weekly Muddy Puddle Teacher Magazine, listen to the free podcast, explore the free blog and follow us on social media for regular outdoor learning tips.
Start small, take one idea outside and see what happens.
Outdoor learning can begin today.