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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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: