Outdoor Learning Activities for EYFS, KS1 & KS2
Outdoor learning is one of the most powerful ways to engage children in meaningful, hands-on education. Whether you are working in EYFS, KS1 or beyond, taking learning outside helps children develop confidence, curiosity and a deeper understanding of the world around them. On this page, you’ll find a wide range of outdoor learning ideas and resources designed to support teachers, early years practitioners and schools in delivering high-quality outdoor provision.
Outdoor learning doesn’t need to be complicated or require expensive equipment. In fact, some of the most effective outdoor activities use simple, natural materials and focus on child-led exploration. From literacy and maths to creative play and physical development, outdoor learning can support every area of the curriculum while also improving wellbeing and engagement.
One of the biggest benefits of outdoor learning is that it allows children to learn through real experiences. Instead of sitting at a table, children can explore concepts through movement, play and investigation. For example, maths can be taught through measuring sticks, counting natural objects or creating number trails. Literacy can be developed through storytelling, mark making in mud, or creating outdoor role play areas. These types of activities make learning more memorable and meaningful.
For early years settings, outdoor learning is particularly important. The EYFS framework encourages practitioners to provide rich outdoor environments where children can explore, take risks and develop independence. Outdoor learning supports all areas of development, including communication and language, physical development, and personal, social and emotional development. It also helps children build resilience and confidence as they navigate new challenges.
Seasonal outdoor learning is another effective way to keep activities fresh and engaging. Each season offers unique opportunities for exploration, from autumn scavenger hunts to winter nature investigations and spring growth activities. By adapting your outdoor provision throughout the year, you can create a dynamic learning environment that reflects the natural world.
On this page, you’ll find a wide range of outdoor learning ideas, including maths, phonics, science and forest school activities. All ideas are designed to be practical, easy to implement, and fully aligned with the primary curriculum. Explore our super-useful beginner’s guide to setting up outdoor lessons.
If you’re new to outdoor learning, this page is a great place to start. If you’re already experienced, you’ll find new ideas to enhance your practice and inspire your learners. Explore the resources below to discover practical, easy-to-use outdoor learning ideas you can implement straight away in your setting.
Outdoor Maths Activities
Outdoor maths activities are a great way to make learning practical and meaningful. By taking maths outside, children can explore numbers, problem-solving and reasoning in a real-world context. Discover some free outdoor maths ideas on our blog.
From counting and number recognition to measurement and problem-solving, outdoor maths helps bring concepts to life.
Explore recently added outdoor maths activities here:
One More One Less – Outdoor Maths
Take maths learning beyond the classroom with our One More, One Less Outdoor Worksheet, designed to help children explore early number concepts through hands-on, nature-based experiences. This engaging resource encourages children to use natural materials such as...
KS1 Shape and Measure Outdoor Learning Bundle
Our KS1 Shape and Measure Outdoor Learning Bundle is a comprehensive, hands-on resource designed to help children explore key maths concepts through active, real-world learning. Combining essential topics such as 2D and 3D shapes, symmetry, length, height, weight, and...
KS1 Weight Outdoors
KS1 Weight Outdoor Learning Pack – Product Description Our KS1 Weight Outdoor Learning Pack is a hands-on, engaging resource designed to help children explore and understand weight through real-life outdoor activities. Using natural objects, balance scales, and...
Outdoor English & Phonics Activities
Outdoor English activities encourage creativity, communication and engagement. Taking phonics, reading and writing outside can transform learning and inspire children who may struggle in a traditional classroom setting.
These activities are ideal for developing early reading skills, storytelling and independent writing.
Explore outdoor phonics and English activities here:
Storytelling Art Outdoors EYFS
Bring stories to life beyond the classroom with this creative Storytelling Art Outdoors EYFS pack. Designed for children aged 3–5, this resource combines outdoor learning, art, and early storytelling to create rich, hands-on experiences that support imagination,...
Rainy Day Songs for Babies
A Gentle Singing Pack (0–2 Years) Create calm, comforting moments on rainy days with our Rainy Day Songs for Babies pack — a collection of gentle, repetitive songs designed especially for babies aged 0–2 years. This pack includes ten simple, soothing songs inspired by...
Early Years Outdoor Nature Signs
Clearly Label Your Outdoor Learning Areas Create calm, purposeful, and well-organised Early Years outdoor environments with our Outdoor Nature Signs, designed to clearly label outdoor provision areas while keeping spaces natural, inviting, and child-centred. These...
Outdoor Science Activities
Outdoor environments provide the perfect setting for hands-on science learning. Children can explore nature, investigate changes and develop curiosity through real-life experiences.
From seasonal changes to habitats and simple experiments, outdoor science helps children understand the world around them.
Explore outdoor science activities here:
Outdoor Learning KS2: STEM Flight
Outdoor Learning KS2: STEM Flight – Muddy Learning Pack (P5) Take your KS2 STEM topic: Flight beyond the classroom with our Outdoor Learning Flight Pack, designed using The Muddy Puddle Teacher approach. This ready-to-use resource helps children explore the science of...
10 Egg Themed STEM Ideas for Primary
Outdoor learning activities to inspire curious minds Outdoor learning in primary schools is one of the most powerful ways to bring STEM to life. Taking lessons beyond the classroom helps children explore, question, and experiment in real-world environments—and what...
Superheroes KS1 Outdoor Learning Pack
Cross-Curricular Outdoor Activities for Primary Schools Turn your playground into a superhero training ground with the Superheroes KS1 Outdoor Learning Pack from The Muddy Puddle Teacher®. This engaging resource helps teachers deliver the superhero theme through...
EYFS Outdoor Learning Activities
Outdoor learning is a key part of the EYFS framework, supporting play-based, exploratory learning. These activities help develop communication, physical development and understanding of the world.
Our EYFS outdoor learning ideas are simple, engaging and easy to set up. Looking for rainy day ideas? Use this low-prep rainy day ideas pack to help.
Explore EYFS outdoor learning activities here:
Outdoor Play: Let’s play Superheroes (Lanyards)
Superhero Play Prompt Lanyard – Outdoor Learning Through Imaginative Play Bring imagination to life with our Superhero Play Prompt Lanyard, part of our Let’s Play Outdoor range. Designed for early years outdoor learning, this lanyard is packed with simple, engaging...
Outdoor Play: Let’s play with spring flowers (Lanyards)
Let’s Play with Spring Flowers – Outdoor Play Activity Cards for Early Years Bring your outdoor play sessions to life this spring with our Let’s Play with Spring Flowers activity cards—designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning in early years...
Outdoor Play : Let’s Play Spring Nature Explorers!
Encourage curiosity, independence, and a love of the outdoors with our Spring Nature Explorers Lanyards—designed especially for early years settings and young adventurers. Perfect for EYFS outdoor provision, these engaging lanyards support children as they explore the...
KS1 Outdoor Learning Activities
Outdoor learning in KS1 helps children build confidence, independence and key skills across the curriculum. Activities are designed to support maths, English and topic work in a fun and engaging way.
Explore KS1 outdoor learning activities here:
Dinosaurs KS1 Outdoor Learning Ideas
Cross-Curricular Outdoor Activities for Primary Schools Bring the exciting world of dinosaurs to life beyond the classroom with the Dinosaurs KS1 Outdoor Learning Pack from The Muddy Puddle Teacher®. This engaging resource helps teachers deliver the dinosaur topic...
Victorians KS1 Outdoor Learning
Bring the Victorians KS1 topic to life with a hands-on outdoor learning experience designed specifically for Key Stage 1. This engaging Victorian history KS1 session helps children explore what life was like for Victorian children through practical activities,...
KS1 Eco Art & Upcycled Creations Outdoors
Inspire creativity and environmental awareness with this engaging KS1 Eco Art and Upcycled Creations Pack, designed to support hands-on outdoor learning through art. Using loose parts and reclaimed materials, children explore how everyday objects can be transformed...
KS2 Outdoor Learning Activities
Outdoor learning for KS2 provides opportunities for deeper thinking, problem-solving and teamwork. These activities help bring learning to life and make lessons more memorable.
Explore KS2 outdoor learning activities here:
School Trip : Stream Studies KS2
Learning About Streams in KS2 Bringing Geography and Science to Life Through Outdoor Learning Streams are one of the most powerful natural environments to explore with KS2 children. They offer real opportunities to investigate water, habitats, landscapes and...
KS2 Vikings Outdoor Learning Ideas Pack
Cross-Curricular Outdoor Learning for Primary Schools Bring the exciting world of Viking explorers, traders and warriors to life with the KS2 Vikings Outdoor Learning Ideas Pack from The Muddy Puddle Teacher®. This engaging resource helps teachers deliver the Viking...
Stone Age KS2 Outdoor Learning Pack
Cross-Curricular Outdoor Activities for Primary Schools Step back in time and explore how early humans lived with the Stone Age KS2 Outdoor Learning Pack from The Muddy Puddle Teacher®. This engaging resource helps teachers bring the Stone Age topic to life through...
Seasonal Outdoor Learning Activities
Seasonal outdoor learning allows children to connect with nature and experience changes throughout the year.
Winter Outdoor Learning Activities
Explore ideas for colder months, including nature exploration, problem-solving and creative outdoor play.
Explore more Winter Outdoor Education Resources
Summer Outdoor Learning Activities
Take advantage of warmer weather with active, engaging and hands-on outdoor learning ideas.
Discover Summer Active Resources Outside
Forest School Activities
Forest school activities focus on child-led learning, exploration and developing independence in a natural environment. These activities encourage curiosity, resilience and confidence.
Explore forest school activities here:
KS2 Forest School: Higher Level Challenges and Skills (Complete Guide)
Forest School has become an important part of outdoor learning in primary schools. While younger pupils often begin with simple exploration and nature play, Key Stage 2 children are ready for more advanced Forest School challenges and skill development. As pupils grow...
PE Woodland Games Pack
Active Outdoor Physical Education for Primary Schools Bring movement, teamwork and adventure into the outdoors with the PE Woodland Games Pack from The Muddy Puddle Teacher®. This practical resource helps teachers deliver engaging PE sessions using woodland spaces,...
KS2 Forest School: Vikings
Woodland Adventures Inspired by Viking Life Take the Viking topic into the woods with KS2 Forest School: Vikings, a hands-on outdoor learning resource from The Muddy Puddle Teacher® designed for woodland environments and Forest School sessions. Through campfire...
Ready-to-Use Outdoor Learning Resources
Looking for ready-made lesson plans and activities?
We provide a wide range of outdoor learning resources designed to save you time and make planning easier. Our resources are fully curriculum-linked and ready to use with EYFS, KS1 and KS2. Ready to make a start use our 100 Outdoor Learning Activities you can do today!
Browse whats new outdoor learning resources and lesson plans here:
Outdoor Learning KS2: STEM Flight
Outdoor Learning KS2: STEM Flight – Muddy Learning Pack (P5) Take your KS2 STEM topic: Flight beyond the classroom with our Outdoor Learning Flight Pack, designed using The Muddy Puddle Teacher approach. This ready-to-use resource helps children explore the science of...
Outdoor Play: Let’s play Superheroes (Lanyards)
Superhero Play Prompt Lanyard – Outdoor Learning Through Imaginative Play Bring imagination to life with our Superhero Play Prompt Lanyard, part of our Let’s Play Outdoor range. Designed for early years outdoor learning, this lanyard is packed with simple, engaging...
What is Exploration Play Outdoors?
What Is Exploration Play Outdoors? A Guide for Outdoor Play EYFS Exploration play outdoors is at the heart of effective outdoor play in EYFS. It is how children make sense of the world — through curiosity, discovery, and hands-on experiences. When children are given...
The Impact of Outdoor Lessons: Why Taking Learning Outside Works
If you’re exploring outdoor learning and wondering whether it really makes a difference, the answer is clear: 👉 Taking lessons outside has a measurable, lasting impact on how children learn, behave, and feel. This isn’t just about fresh air or a change of scenery....
Why Taking the Curriculum Outdoors Isn’t a Trend—It’s Backed by Research
Outdoor learning is often seen as a “nice extra”—something enriching, engaging, and enjoyable. But the most recent research tells a different story. Taking learning outside—especially in active, movement-based ways—isn’t just beneficial. It’s increasingly being...
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...
Ready to Grow with Us?
If you’re looking to confidently deliver outdoor learning in your setting, explore our training courses designed for teachers across the UK.
View outdoor learning training here:
Outdoor Learning Supporting SEND Childminders
Outdoor Learning for Childminders: Supporting SEND Children Our Outdoor Learning for Childminders: Supporting SEND Children approach is designed to help you create inclusive, calm, and engaging outdoor environments for children with Special Educational Needs and...
Outdoor Learning Training : Behaviour and SEMH
This specialised outdoor learning training course focuses on how natural environments can positively impact behaviour and support children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs. You’ll learn how to use outdoor spaces to: Reduce dysregulation and stress...
Outdoor Learning Training for Primary Schools (Levels 1-4)
Let’s Learn Outdoors Outdoor Learning Training Programme for Primary Schools The Muddy Puddle Teacher Approach Outdoor learning isn’t just a break from the classroom—it’s a powerful, research-backed way to deepen children’s understanding, improve wellbeing, and bring...