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:
KS2 Subtracting ones, tens and hundreds to three-digit numbers
Mud Kitchen: Spring Silly Soup Range
Mud Kitchen: Spring Silly Soup Range ⇒Use the Mud Kitchen: Spring Soup from the Silly Soup range to help implement a literacy and numeracy link to your continuous provision areas. Make Spring Mud Pies galore! ⇒Single Poster We will experience: How to read and follow...
Mud Kitchen: Happy Herb Silly Soup
Mud Kitchen: Happy Herbs Silly Soup Range ⇒Use the Mud Kitchen: Happy Herbs Soup from the Silly Soup range to help implement a literacy and numeracy link to your continuous provision areas. ⇒Single Poster We will experience: How to read and follow instructions How 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:
One a Day Nature Words -Book One – (Vocabulary Builder Early Years)
One a Day Nature Words - BOOK ONE -(Vocabulary Builder Early Years) This resource comes in two documents. Download BOOK TWO. ⇒This eBook (PDF Format) can be read outdoors or indoors, with tasks to do outdoors after ⇒Vocabulary Builder 5 minute task every day We will...
Mystery Rocks (Team Bonding Game)
⇒Use Mystery Rocks (Team Bonding Game) to take your children outside and allow some FUN time! ⇒Outdoor Learning Lesson Plan We will experience: How to play How to follow rules How to work s a team The activities involved are: Solving a mystery Discovering Have a...
Spellbound Spellings – Year 5/6 Spellings (Set Five)
Spellbound Spellings – Year 5/6 Spellings (Set Five) Five Reasons Going Outdoors Helps with Children's Mental Health Remember, you need a silver account to gain access to resources and train with us; go for Gold. Why not review us on Trustpilot? Accredited CPD Muddy...
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:
Evaluation Form (Testing Rocks) Year 3
This is an Evaluation Form for the Testing Rocks module in the Year 3 Schemes of Work for Rocks. In KS2 we use the chunking method, sessions in and out to improve the impact, quality and engagement of the task at hand. Outdoor learning at its most highest quality.
Rock Sorters (Year 3)
Rock Sorters (Year 3) Use this worksheet to help children embed their lessons from practical outdoor learning to taking the learning inside to assess the lesson impact. Forms part of the Schemes of Work Rocks for Year 3.
Rock Explorers (Year 3)
Rock Detectives (Year 3) This outdoor worksheet supports the Year 3 Scheme of Works on Rocks. Practical outdoor experimental session, allowing children to explore rocks in their own surroundings via field work (lined to Geography) and exploring and testing their...
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:
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
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:
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
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:
Saxons, Celts and Picts
Use Muddy Saxons ideas pack to get this Muddy History topic outside your own spaces in creative, innovative ways.
KS2 Romans
Why not try Outdoor Learning Romans KS2 to generate a buzz around this topic! Use our innovative ideas to get your class loving History, the Muddy way!
KS2 Stoneage
Use Outdoor Learning Stoneage pack of ideas to get more of this topic outside using only natural and upcycled resources.
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:
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
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:
Upper KS2 Outdoor Art: Environmental Sculptures
Encourage deeper thinking and meaningful creativity with this inspiring Upper KS2 Environmental Sculpture Projects Pack, designed for engaging outdoor learning with children aged 9–11. This resource helps pupils explore how art can respond to a space, influence an...
KS2 Outdoor Art Ideas Pack : Using Waste and Reclaimed Materials
Encourage creativity with purpose through this inspiring Upper KS2 Art Using Waste and Reclaimed Materials Pack, designed for meaningful outdoor learning with children aged 9–11. This resource supports pupils in exploring identity, impact and critical thinking through...
KS2 Eco Art
Empower pupils to use creativity as a voice with this inspiring Upper KS2 Eco Art and Activism Pack, designed for meaningful outdoor learning with children aged 9–11. This resource helps pupils explore how art can communicate environmental messages, raise awareness...
Lower KS2 Art and Wellbeing Outdoors
Support creativity and emotional wellbeing with this thoughtful Lower KS2 Art and Wellbeing Outdoors Pack, designed to encourage calm, reflective outdoor learning for children aged 7–9. This resource uses gentle, nature-based art activities to help pupils slow down,...
Lower KS2 Outdoor Art Ideas Pack- Large-Scale Collaborative
Encourage teamwork, creativity and big thinking with this engaging Lower KS2 Large-Scale Collaborative Art Pack, designed for meaningful outdoor learning with children aged 7–9. This resource helps pupils plan, design and build large group artworks and installations...
KS2 Ephemeral Art Projects – Outdoor Art Ideas Pack
Encourage creativity, curiosity and reflection with this inspiring Ephemeral Art Projects Pack, designed to support meaningful outdoor learning through temporary, nature-based art. These activities help children explore the idea that art does not have to last forever....
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:
EYFS Superhero Day
Superhero Day EYFS
30 KS1 Outdoor Activities
Use 30 Muddy Infants Activities to get your infant outside doing all the things kids should be doing and making memories.
30 Tots Outdoor Learning Activities (Home or Nursery pack)
Use 30 Muddy Tot Activities to tick off daily activities that will take you and your tots outside, making memories and learning.