Make outdoor learning simple, fun, and organised with our EYFS Let’s Play Outdoors Lanyards—designed especially with Rainbows and early years groups in mind. Whether you’re exploring nature, leading games, or encouraging curiosity, these lanyards are a practical must-have for every session.
Find even more inspiration in our outdoor learning activities guide, or explore additional Outdoor Play Lanyards
Each lanyard is lightweight, durable, and comfortable for little adventurers to wear. They’re ideal for holding activity cards, scavenger hunt prompts, name tags, or mini guides—helping leaders keep activities structured while giving Rainbows a sense of independence and responsibility.
Bright, engaging colours ensure they’re easy to spot during outdoor play, while the child-friendly design keeps safety a priority. Perfect for woodland walks, garden play, or outdoor learning sessions, these lanyards support hands-on discovery and active participation.
Why they’re great for Rainbows early years:
- Encourages independence and role play
- Keeps activity resources accessible and organised
- Supports outdoor learning and exploration
- Comfortable and safe for young children
- Ideal for group activities, games, and nature-based learning
Bring your Rainbows sessions to life with a simple tool that makes outdoor play more engaging, structured, and memorable.
Outdoor Learning Ideas for Rainbows Early Years Groups
Why Outdoor Play Matters for Rainbows (Early Years)
Outdoor learning plays a vital role in early years development. For Rainbows-aged children, learning through play, movement, and exploration helps build essential life skills in a natural and engaging way.
Spending time outdoors supports:
- Communication and social interaction
- Physical development and coordination
- Confidence and independence
- Curiosity and problem-solving
For Rainbows leaders, outdoor sessions are an opportunity to create meaningful experiences that balance structure with freedom to explore.
Easy Outdoor Activity Ideas for Rainbows
1. Nature Scavenger Hunts
Create simple checklists with items like leaves, colours, or textures. This encourages observation and teamwork while keeping activities fun and achievable.
2. Outdoor Adventure Games
Turn your session into a themed adventure—explorers, wildlife trackers, or treasure hunters—to spark imagination and engagement.
3. Mini Beast Exploration
Encourage children to safely discover bugs and insects using simple tools and guides.
4. Sensory Walks
Ask children to notice what they can hear, see, and feel. This supports mindfulness and awareness of their surroundings.
Encouraging Independence in Rainbows Early Years
Independence is a key focus in early years education. Giving children small responsibilities helps them feel capable and involved.
Simple ways to encourage independence:
- Let children carry their own activity resources
- Assign small roles within the group
- Use visual prompts instead of constant instruction
When children feel ownership over their activities, they engage more fully and build confidence.
Why Lanyards Support Outdoor Learning
Lanyards are a simple but effective tool for organising early years activities and supporting independence in Rainbows groups.
They can be used to:
- Hold scavenger hunt cards or activity prompts
- Display names for easy group management
- Assign roles or responsibilities
- Keep resources accessible during outdoor play
Our Let’s Play Outdoors Lanyards are designed specifically for young children—lightweight, comfortable, and easy to use—making them ideal for Rainbows sessions and outdoor learning environments.
Tips for Engaging Rainbows Sessions
To keep your sessions effective and enjoyable:
- Keep instructions simple and visual
- Mix structured activities with free play
- Rotate activities regularly to maintain interest
- Focus on participation and enjoyment rather than outcomes
The goal is to create a positive environment where children feel confident to explore, play, and learn.
Looking for more outdoor play ideas? Our award-winning outdoor learning lanyards are the easiest way to inspire play in your outdoor areas.
