Outdoor Learning PE: PE Activities for EYFS, KS1 and KS2
PE belongs outdoors.
Children need space to move, run, jump, balance, throw, catch, cooperate and challenge themselves physically.
At The Muddy Puddle Teacher®, we believe outdoor learning PE should help children build confidence, coordination, resilience, teamwork and physical literacy through purposeful movement.
Outdoor PE does not always need lots of specialist equipment.
School grounds, playground markings, natural features and simple reusable resources can all support high-quality physical activity.
The key is to create opportunities for children to move with purpose, practise skills and reflect on how their bodies work.
Looking for ready-to-use outdoor learning ideas?
Explore The Muddy Puddle Teacher® outdoor learning resources, training and membership and start taking more of your curriculum outdoors. You could also make a start by signing up to our FREE outdoor learning magazine.
If you are completely new to taking learning outside, start with our Beginner’s Guide to Outdoor Learning and then return here for everything you need to develop outdoor learning across school settings.
Outdoor PE in EYFS
In EYFS, Religious Education can begin through stories, celebrations, relationships, belonging and children’s curiosity about the world.
Outdoor spaces can provide gentle opportunities to talk about kindness, care, wonder and things that are special to different people. Learn more, read thiss handbook: Early Years Outdoors Guidance
In EYFS, physical development is closely linked to play.
Young children need repeated opportunities to develop balance, coordination, spatial awareness, strength and control.
Outdoor environments are ideal for this because children can move more freely.
EYFS Outdoor PE Idea: Movement Trail
Create a simple route using safe outdoor features.
Children might walk along a line, step over a log, crawl under a rope, jump between markers or balance on low equipment.
Encourage them to move in different ways and at different speeds.
Ask:
Can you move slowly?
Can you balance without putting your foot down?
Can you jump and land safely?
EYFS Outdoor PE Idea: Animal Movements
Ask children to move like different animals.
They might stomp like an elephant, hop like a rabbit, crawl like a bear or stretch like a cat.
This supports coordination, strength and imagination.
EYFS Outdoor PE Idea: Throw and Collect
Use beanbags, soft balls or suitable natural markers.
Children can practise throwing towards a target, collecting objects, carrying them back and trying again.
The focus is on developing control rather than competition. Make a start: Bike Themed Outdoor PE Resources for EYFS.
Outdoor PE in KS1
In KS1, children can begin to explore how beliefs influence people’s lives and how religions use symbols, stories and special places.
Outdoor learning can help make abstract ideas more accessible. New to Outdoor Lessons in KS1? Head to the Outdoor Learning KS1 Hub.
In EYFS, physical development is closely linked to play.
Young children need repeated opportunities to develop balance, coordination, spatial awareness, strength and control.
Outdoor environments are ideal for this because children can move more freely.
EYFS Outdoor PE Idea: Movement Trail
Create a simple route using safe outdoor features.
Children might walk along a line, step over a log, crawl under a rope, jump between markers or balance on low equipment.
Encourage them to move in different ways and at different speeds.
Ask:
Can you move slowly?
Can you balance without putting your foot down?
Can you jump and land safely?
EYFS Outdoor PE Idea: Animal Movements
Ask children to move like different animals.
They might stomp like an elephant, hop like a rabbit, crawl like a bear or stretch like a cat.
This supports coordination, strength and imagination.
EYFS Outdoor PE Idea: Throw and Collect
Use beanbags, soft balls or suitable natural markers.
Children can practise throwing towards a target, collecting objects, carrying them back and trying again.
The focus is on developing control rather than competition.
Outdoor PE in KS2
In KS2, children can explore more complex questions around belief, meaning, morality, identity and responsibility.
Outdoor spaces can provide a calm setting for discussion and philosophical enquiry. Get more information in the KS2 Outdoor Learning Hub.
In KS2, outdoor PE can become more demanding and strategic.
Children can build stamina, refine techniques, work tactically and evaluate performance.
KS2 Outdoor PE Idea: Fitness Circuit
Create a simple outdoor circuit using bodyweight activities.
Children might include running, skipping, squats, lunges, star jumps, balance challenges or short shuttle runs.
Encourage pupils to work at an appropriate level and focus on technique.
Ask:
Which activity raised your heart rate most?
Which muscles were working?
KS2 Outdoor PE Idea: Team Strategy Challenge
Create a group challenge that requires movement and cooperation.
For example, teams might have to move equipment across an area without entering a marked zone.
The aim is not only physical activity but also communication and planning.
Ask:
What was your strategy?
How did you change it when it did not work?
KS2 Outdoor PE Idea: Personal Best Challenge
Set up activities where children compete against their own previous performance.
They might measure sprint time, throwing distance, number of catches, jumps completed or balance duration.
This helps shift the focus away from always competing against others.
Make a start: Outdoor PE Warm Ups KS2
Make a Start Today, PE Outdoor Lesson Plans
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Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Learning PE
What is outdoor learning PE?
Outdoor learning PE involves using outdoor spaces to develop physical skills, movement, coordination, fitness, teamwork and confidence.
What are some easy outdoor PE activities?
Simple ideas include movement trails, throwing games, relay activities, balance challenges, fitness circuits, target games and teamwork activities.
Is outdoor PE suitable for EYFS?
Yes. EYFS children benefit from regular opportunities to develop balance, coordination, strength and spatial awareness through outdoor movement and play.
What outdoor PE activities work well for KS1?
KS1 children can practise running, jumping, throwing, catching, balance and simple team games.
What outdoor PE activities work well for KS2?
KS2 pupils can take part in fitness circuits, tactical games, personal best challenges, relays and more complex team activities.
Do you need lots of PE equipment?
No. Cones, beanbags, balls, hoops, chalk and simple outdoor features can support a wide range of PE activities.
Can outdoor PE support teamwork?
Yes. Relays, team challenges and cooperative games can help children practise communication, turn-taking and shared decision-making.
Can outdoor PE support SEND learners?
Yes, when activities are adapted appropriately. Consider mobility, sensory needs, communication, confidence and access. Clear demonstrations and predictable routines can help.
Is outdoor PE only about fitness?
No. PE also develops coordination, skill, confidence, teamwork, control, strategy and physical understanding.
How can children assess their progress in outdoor PE?
Children can reflect on technique, compare personal bests, discuss effort, observe improvements and set simple next-step goals.
What is the most important part of outdoor PE?
Participation and progression.
Children should have enough active time to practise skills, improve confidence and experience success.