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:
Fractions KS1 Ideas Pack
Fractions KS1 Ideas Pack Make learning fractions fun, engaging, and hands-on with our Fractions KS1 Ideas Pack! Perfectly crafted for young learners, this pack offers a variety of interactive fraction activities designed to take learning beyond the classroom. Each...
KS2 Transition Day Ideas
The Importance of Having a KS2 Transition Day Outdoors for Children Transition days are pivotal in helping children acclimate to new environments, routines, and peers as they move from one academic stage to another. Conducting these transition days outdoors can...
KS2 Football Multiplications Practice (Demo Video)
What does this KS2 Football Multiplications demonstration video include? Include a game-based idea to help junior teachers take the practising of multiplications outside, using football techniques. How can I use this resource? Use KS2 Football Multiplications to...
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:
Phase 6 Phonics Football
Introducing Phase 6 Phonics Football Outdoors—an innovative educational program that seamlessly integrates advanced phonics instruction with the dynamic energy of football. Designed for young learners progressing through Phase 6 phonics, this outdoor initiative...
Phase 5 Phonics Football
Introducing Phase 5 Football Phonics—an innovative educational resource that seamlessly blends the excitement of football with the essential elements of Phase 5 phonics. Designed to captivate young learners, this program offers a dynamic approach to mastering complex...
Football Phase Five Phonics
Football Phase 5 Phonics Activity Pack An Active and Engaging Way to Learn Phase 5 Phonics The Football Phonics Phase 5 Activity Pack is designed to make phonics learning fun, interactive, and physically engaging. Through football-themed activities, children can...
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:
Minibeast Swatch Book
What does this resource include? 1 x Swatch Book How can I use this resource? Hang up in your outdoor area and let the children independently identify bugs and minibeasts. What are the curriculum links? Natural World & Science Links Physical development: Fine and...
Minibeast magnifying glasses
What does this resource include? One magnifying glass with a picture front and words on the back. How can I use this resource? Instructions are included on how you create the magnifying glasses. These could be used as an independent tasks in continuous provision or...
Tree Swatch Book
What does this resource include? 12 x Tree swatch cards of typical trees found in the UK How can I use this resource? Cut them up, laminate and hang them on pegs for the children to independently refer to on walks or within your grounds. What are the curriculum...
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 Art Frames
What does this resource include? Instruction into how to use your muddy frame 1 x Outdoor Art Frame How can I use this resource? Cut the outdoor art frame out, laminate and use. Save for lessons there after this. For large groups, print many out, laminate and...
Outdoor Frames for Art
What does this resource include? Instruction in how to use 1 x Outdoor Frame How can I use this resource? Cut the frame out, laminate and use. Save for lessons there after this. What are the curriculum links? Natural World Reading Working independently Why do...
Minibeast magnifying glasses
What does this resource include? One magnifying glass with a picture front and words on the back. How can I use this resource? Instructions are included on how you create the magnifying glasses. These could be used as an independent tasks in continuous provision or...
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:
Guy Fawkes KS1 & Significant People
What is included in this lesson plan? 1 x Guy Fawkes KS1 & Significant People lesson plan, including opportunities to extend, support and differentiate for maximum outdoor learning opportunities. How to use this outdoor adventure pack: Use Guy Fawkes KS1 &...
Coronation Celebration Wands
What does this resource include? Instruction into how to use your muddy frame 1 x Outdoor Art Frame How can I use this resource? Cut the outdoor art frame out, laminate and use. Save for lessons there after this. For large groups, print many out, laminate and...
Outdoor Tens Frames A3
What does this resource include? Instruction on how to use your outdoor tens frames 1 x Outdoor Ten Frames How can I use this resource? Cut the outdoor tens frame out, laminate and use. Save for lessons there after this. For large groups, print many out, laminate...
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:
The Roman Empire KS2
Outdoor Learning Pack - The Roman Empire KS2 Unleash the power of immersive, hands-on learning with our Outdoor Learning Pack: The Roman Empire KS2. Designed to inspire curiosity and creativity, this pack provides educators various engaging, nature-based activities...
Iron Age Hill Forts and Tribal Societies
Iron Age Hill Forts and Tribal Societies Lesson Ideas Step back in time and explore the fascinating world of Iron Age hill forts and tribal societies with this comprehensive resource. Designed for KS2 educators, this engaging lesson pack combines hands-on, outdoor...
The Transition to Farming and Settled Communities (Neolithic)
Product Description: Outdoor Lesson Plan Ideas on The Transition to Farming and Settled Communities (Neolithic) Transform your outdoor learning sessions with our engaging Outdoor Lesson Plan Ideas on The Transition to Farming and Settled Communities (Neolithic)!...
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:
5 Forest School Games
5 Forest School Games: Learning Through Play Forest School is a unique educational approach that offers children the opportunity to succeed and develop confidence through hands-on learning in a woodland environment. One of the critical aspects of 5 Forest School is...
Autumn Forest School Session Plan (KS1)
What does this resource include? 1 x Autumnal Forest School Session Plan How can I use this resource? Use the Forest School Planning (KS1) Book Theme to teach your regular forest school session with a bit of a twist. Base the afternoon of fun around a text and link...
Forest School ToolSafety Poster
What does this resource include? 1 x Forest School Tool Safety Poster How can I use this resource? Use the Forest School Tool Safety Poster to help remind you of how to use tools safely in your woodland or forest. What are the curriculum links? English/Literacy...
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:
10 Outdoor Co-Regulation Ideas for Children
Using nature to build connection, calm, and emotional safety Supporting children with big emotions isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about connection. Before children can regulate independently, they need adults to help them feel safe, understood, and supported. This...
10 Outdoor Tips Using Nature to Keep Children Regulated
10 Outdoor Tips Using Nature to Keep Children Regulated Simple, daily strategies to support calm, focus, and wellbeing In today’s busy, overstimulating world, many children struggle to stay regulated throughout the school day. One of the most effective and accessible...
10 Outdoor Ideas for Dysregulated Children
10 Ways to Help Dysregulated Children Using Outdoor Methods Practical strategies for primary teachers and practitioners Supporting dysregulated children can feel challenging—but one of the most effective (and often overlooked) tools is simply stepping outside. Outdoor...
Outdoor Maths Lesson: Converting Capacity (KS2)
10 Ways to Take Capacity Outdoors (KS2) By The Muddy Puddle Teacher Capacity is one of those maths concepts that truly comes alive when children can see it, pour it, and experiment with it. Instead of imagining millilitres and litres, outdoor learning allows children...
Outdoor Maths Lesson: Converting Mass (KS2)
10 Ways to Take Converting Mass Outdoors (KS2) By The Muddy Puddle Teacher Understanding mass can be tricky for children when it’s only taught through numbers on a page. But when children can hold, compare, and build mass using real objects, it suddenly becomes...
Outdoor Maths Lesson: Converting cm to m (KS2)
Top 10 Outdoor Sustainable Ideas for Converting cm to m (KS2) By The Muddy Puddle Teacher Converting centimetres to metres can feel like a tricky concept for children—until they can see and experience it in real life. Taking this learning outdoors allows children to...
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:
Creating an Outdoor Classroom
Use Creating an Outdoor Classroom as part of a document needed to complete stage one of the MPT approach training. Our muddy resources support all curriculums and we use only natural resources so any school, anywhere can use our approach. Including Early Years...
Upskill on Natural Resources
Use Upskill on Natural Resources to help you get better at using natural resources found outside to teach subjects from. It will save you lots of time if you ahev the skills to do this. A muddy must! It also forms part of the stage two training course. Our muddy...
Outdoor Learning Progress Tracker – all ages
The Outdoor Learning Progress Tracker is incredible! It often is hard to prove and show progress from Outdoor Learning as many of the benefits are personal to the child. However the Outdoor Learning progress checker will help you prove and show that progression. Not...