What Is Physical Development Outdoors?
Physical Development Outdoors is about giving babies and young children regular opportunities to move, climb, balance, carry, push, pull, throw, catch, dig, build and develop control of their bodies through outdoor play.
In the EYFS, physical development is much broader than PE.
It includes:
- gross motor development
- fine motor development
- coordination
- balance
- spatial awareness
- strength
- control
- movement
- self-care
- confidence in using the body
The outdoors is one of the best environments for this because children have more space to move freely and can experience physical challenge in ways that are often difficult indoors.
A child climbing onto a log is developing balance.
A child pushing a wheelbarrow is developing strength.
A child painting a fence with a large brush is developing shoulder stability.
A child threading leaves onto string is developing fine motor control.
A child carrying crates across the playground is building whole-body coordination.
This is all Physical Development Outdoors.
For a more comprehensive guide, read this handbook: The Complete Guide to Early Years Outdoors.
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Physical Development in the EYFS
Physical Development is one of the three prime areas of learning within the Early Years Foundation Stage.
This makes it foundational.
Children’s physical development supports many other areas of learning, including:
- literacy
- mathematics
- communication
- confidence
- independence
- self-regulation
Young children need repeated opportunities to develop both gross and fine motor skills.
These skills do not develop effectively through sitting still for long periods.
Children need to move.
They need to practise.
They need to repeat movements.
They need to challenge themselves.
And they need enough space to do this safely.
The outdoor environment plays a crucial role.
Why Take Physical Development Outdoors?
Outdoors gives children:
- more space
- more freedom
- more movement
- greater scale
- more natural challenge
- varied surfaces
- opportunities for risk assessment
- opportunities for energetic play
Physical development outdoors can feel more natural because children are able to use their whole bodies.
Inside, movement is often restricted by furniture and space.
Outside, children can:
- run further
- jump further
- climb higher
- carry larger objects
- build bigger structures
- move at different speeds
- negotiate wider spaces
That makes outdoor provision especially important for gross motor development.
Gross Motor Skills Outdoors
Gross motor skills involve the large muscles of the body.
Children use these skills when they:
- run
- jump
- climb
- crawl
- balance
- push
- pull
- carry
- throw
- catch
- kick
- roll
- dig
These movements help children develop:
- strength
- coordination
- body awareness
- balance
- stamina
- spatial awareness
Gross motor development is essential before children can refine smaller movements effectively.
Running Outdoors
Running helps children develop:
- cardiovascular fitness
- coordination
- balance
- body control
- spatial awareness
Give children opportunities to run in different ways.
Try:
- fast and slow running
- stop-and-go games
- chasing games
- running around obstacles
- running between markers
- relay-style games
- imaginative movement
Avoid over-structuring every experience.
Free running is valuable too.
Jumping Outdoors
Jumping helps children develop:
- leg strength
- balance
- coordination
- landing control
- confidence
Try:
- jumping over ropes
- jumping into hoops
- jumping between chalk marks
- jumping from low safe heights
- jumping over puddles
- jumping along number lines
Encourage children to practise landing safely with control.
Climbing Outdoors
Climbing is one of the richest physical experiences young children can have.
It develops:
- upper body strength
- grip strength
- core stability
- coordination
- balance
- planning
- confidence
Children can climb:
- climbing frames
- low logs
- slopes
- steps
- tyres
- crates where safely arranged
- natural features
Climbing also helps children assess challenge and make decisions about their own bodies.
Balancing Outdoors
Balance is central to physical development.
Provide opportunities to balance on:
- logs
- beams
- chalk lines
- planks
- stepping stones
- low walls
- tyres
- uneven natural surfaces
Children can practise:
- walking forwards
- walking backwards
- carrying objects while balancing
- stepping between surfaces
- stopping and starting
Balance becomes more challenging when children have to adapt to changing surfaces.
Crawling Outdoors
Crawling is sometimes overlooked once children can walk.
But it remains valuable.
Crawling helps develop:
- shoulder stability
- coordination
- core strength
- bilateral movement
- body awareness
Try:
- tunnels
- obstacle courses
- crawling under ropes
- animal movements
- den entrances
- climbing through boxes
This can also support later fine motor control.
Pushing and Pulling
Pushing and pulling activities build strength throughout the body.
Use:
- wheelbarrows
- carts
- large boxes
- tyres
- wagons
- ropes
- crates
Children might:
- transport materials
- pull a cart
- push a heavy object
- move construction resources
These everyday play activities are physically demanding and highly valuable.
Carrying Outdoors
Carrying develops:
- grip
- core strength
- coordination
- balance
- planning
Children can carry:
- buckets
- sticks
- logs
- crates
- water
- sand
- boxes
- loose parts
Give children real reasons to transport materials.
Construction and den building are excellent for this.
Throwing and Catching
Throwing and catching support:
- hand-eye coordination
- timing
- tracking
- control
- strength
Use:
- balls
- beanbags
- soft objects
- hoops
- buckets
- targets
Try:
- throwing into containers
- partner throwing
- rolling first
- underarm throws
- target games
Start with larger, softer objects where needed.
Kicking Outdoors
Kicking supports:
- balance
- coordination
- leg strength
- spatial awareness
Children can kick:
- balls
- soft foam objects
- targets
Try:
- kicking between cones
- kicking to a friend
- aiming at a target
- dribbling around obstacles
Keep experiences playful rather than overly technical.
Digging Outdoors
Digging is an excellent whole-body activity.
It develops:
- hand strength
- shoulder strength
- coordination
- grip
- stamina
Children can dig in:
- soil
- sand
- mud
- gravel areas
Provide:
- spades
- scoops
- trowels
- containers
Digging also creates opportunities for imaginative play and Understanding the World.
Fine Motor Skills Outdoors
Physical development is not just about large movement.
Fine motor skills are equally important.
These involve the smaller muscles of the hands and fingers.
Children need fine motor control for:
- dressing
- fastening
- eating
- drawing
- writing
- cutting
- manipulating objects
Outdoor play can support this brilliantly.
Fine Motor Activities Outdoors
Try:
- threading leaves
- threading beads
- using pegs
- picking up small stones
- tweezers
- tongs
- spray bottles
- pipettes
- chalk
- painting
- clay
- mud modelling
- tying ropes
- weaving
- planting seeds
- opening containers
Fine motor development does not need to happen at a table.
Hand Strength Outdoors
Children need strong hands before controlled writing becomes comfortable.
Outdoor activities that build hand strength include:
- squeezing sponges
- spraying water
- digging
- gripping ropes
- carrying buckets
- moulding mud
- squeezing clay
- using pegs
- wringing cloths
These activities are often much more motivating than repetitive fine motor worksheets.
Shoulder Stability and Writing
Writing begins with the whole body.
Children need stable shoulders and arms before they can develop increasingly refined hand control.
Useful outdoor activities include:
- climbing
- pushing
- pulling
- crawling
- hanging
- large-scale painting
- sweeping
- digging
This is why Physical Development Outdoors connects so strongly with early writing.
Large-Scale Mark Making
Large-scale mark making supports both physical development and literacy.
Try:
- giant chalk
- paintbrushes
- rollers
- water painting
- mud painting
- drawing on large cardboard
- vertical painting
Children can use broad arm movements.
This strengthens:
- shoulders
- wrists
- arms
- grip
- coordination
Obstacle Courses Outdoors
Obstacle courses are a simple way to combine many physical skills.
Include opportunities to:
- crawl
- climb
- balance
- jump
- step
- run
- throw
Use:
- crates
- tyres
- ropes
- planks
- hoops
- cones
- tunnels
Allow children to help design the course.
That adds:
- problem solving
- communication
- creativity
- spatial awareness
Child-Led Obstacle Courses
Instead of adults always setting them up, give children loose parts and let them create their own.
Ask:
How could we get from here to there without touching the ground?
Or:
Can you make a course that includes climbing and jumping?
Children then need to think about:
- distance
- difficulty
- safety
- sequence
- space
This becomes much richer than simply completing a pre-made course.
Bikes and Scooters
Wheeled toys are fantastic for Physical Development Outdoors.
They develop:
- balance
- coordination
- steering
- strength
- spatial awareness
- control
Children also learn to:
- avoid obstacles
- judge distance
- stop
- start
- negotiate space
You can extend bike play with:
- routes
- traffic lights
- delivery games
- parking spaces
- direction signs
But remember: the physical experience is valuable in its own right.
Dance and Movement Outdoors
Dance supports:
- coordination
- rhythm
- balance
- expression
- body awareness
Try:
- ribbons
- scarves
- music
- action songs
- freeze games
- movement stories
Ask children to move:
- quickly
- slowly
- high
- low
- smoothly
- sharply
This links Physical Development with Expressive Arts and Design.
Movement Inspired by Nature
Use the outdoor environment as inspiration.
Ask:
Can you move like the wind?
Can you crawl like a beetle?
Can you stretch like a tree?
Can you jump like a frog?
Can you sway like long grass?
This combines imagination and physical development.
Yoga and Stretching Outdoors
Simple stretching and yoga-style movement can help children develop:
- balance
- strength
- body awareness
- control
Keep it playful.
Use ideas such as:
- tree
- star
- mountain
- cat
- butterfly
Avoid expecting young children to hold positions for too long.
Movement should remain appropriate to their age and development.
Outdoor Physical Development Through Construction
Large-scale construction is one of the best physical activities in EYFS.
Children:
- lift
- carry
- pull
- push
- stack
- balance
- reach
- squat
Use:
- crates
- large cardboard boxes
- blocks
- planks
- tyres
- fabric
Construction develops physical skills while also supporting mathematical thinking and collaboration.
Physical Development in the Mud Kitchen
Mud kitchens are surprisingly physical.
Children may:
- stir
- mix
- pour
- scoop
- carry
- dig
- squeeze
- transport
These movements support:
- wrist control
- grip
- hand strength
- bilateral coordination
The mud kitchen can therefore contribute to both gross and fine motor development.
Gardening and Physical Development
Gardening provides authentic physical challenges.
Children can:
- dig
- rake
- sweep
- carry watering cans
- plant seeds
- pinch soil
- use small tools
- transport compost
This develops both whole-body movement and fine motor skills.
Den Building and Physical Development
Den building requires children to:
- carry
- stretch
- pull
- tie
- balance
- reach
- crawl
Use:
- ropes
- pegs
- fabric
- crates
- sticks
- cardboard
It also requires coordination between children, making it an excellent collaborative activity.
Physical Development Outdoors for Babies
Babies need time to move freely.
Outdoor experiences can include:
- tummy time
- reaching
- rolling
- crawling
- pulling to stand
- cruising
- pushing objects
- sensory movement
Provide safe surfaces and opportunities for babies to experience:
- grass
- mats
- gentle slopes
- different textures
Physical development begins with freedom to move.
Physical Development Outdoors for Toddlers
Toddlers need opportunities to:
- climb
- push
- pull
- carry
- walk
- run
- squat
- crawl
- transport
They often enjoy doing the same physical action repeatedly.
This repetition is important.
It helps movements become more controlled.
Physical Development Outdoors for 3 and 4-Year-Olds
Children can increasingly develop:
- running control
- jumping
- balancing
- climbing
- ball skills
- coordination
- fine motor strength
Offer opportunities that allow different levels of challenge.
One child may walk across a low beam.
Another may balance while carrying an object.
The same environment can support different developmental stages.
Physical Development Outdoors in Reception
Reception children can increasingly refine:
- balance
- coordination
- strength
- ball skills
- fine motor control
- movement precision
They can take part in:
- team games
- obstacle courses
- more complex movement sequences
- throwing and catching
- balancing challenges
- large-scale construction
Outdoor physical play should sit alongside more structured teaching where appropriate.
Physical Development Outdoors and SEND
Outdoor physical development can be incredibly valuable for children with SEND.
But provision should not assume every child has the same sensory or motor needs.
Consider:
- accessible pathways
- visual prompts
- quieter spaces
- adapted equipment
- repetition
- reduced complexity
- movement breaks
- alternative ways to participate
Some children may need:
- more physical challenge
- less sensory input
- more sensory input
- more time
- clearer boundaries
Observe the individual child.
Physical Development and Self-Regulation
Movement can also support regulation.
Some children use physical activity to help organise their bodies and attention.
Useful experiences may include:
- carrying
- pushing
- pulling
- digging
- climbing
- running
- swinging where available
- heavy work
Outdoor spaces can give children opportunities to move in ways that support their readiness to learn.
Physical Development and Literacy
Physical development is deeply connected to literacy.
Children need:
- core strength
- shoulder stability
- wrist control
- grip
- hand strength
before writing can become fluent and comfortable.
Outdoor movement therefore supports later writing.
This is another reason why children need lots of opportunities to climb, crawl, push, pull and make large marks.
Physical Development and Maths
Movement creates natural mathematical opportunities.
Children can:
- count jumps
- measure distance
- compare height
- follow directions
- explore position
- create obstacle sequences
Physical play naturally introduces:
- number
- shape
- measure
- position
- order
Physical Development and Communication
Physical play creates huge opportunities for language.
Children may need to say:
- move
- stop
- higher
- lower
- faster
- slower
- under
- over
- beside
- behind
- heavy
- light
Adults can model this language naturally during play.
Sustainable Physical Development Outdoors
Physical development does not need expensive specialist equipment.
Try using:
- ropes
- crates
- cardboard boxes
- tyres where appropriate
- logs
- planks
- buckets
- natural materials
- recycled construction materials
Simple resources are often more flexible than single-purpose equipment.
A crate can become:
- a step
- a seat
- a wall
- part of a den
- part of an obstacle course
That open-endedness supports both creativity and movement.
Seasonal Physical Development Ideas
Spring
- gardening
- nature walks
- puddle jumping
- balancing on logs
- carrying watering cans
Summer
- water carrying
- bike trails
- outdoor dance
- throwing games
- obstacle courses
Autumn
- leaf collecting
- sweeping leaves
- log carrying
- nature trails
- jumping through leaves
Winter
- frost walks
- winter obstacle courses
- heavy work
- movement games
- snow play where possible
30 Physical Development Outdoors Ideas
- Balance trails
- Obstacle courses
- Bike routes
- Scooter routes
- Giant chalk movements
- Jumping games
- Throwing targets
- Catching games
- Football-style kicking games
- Crawling tunnels
- Den building
- Large-scale construction
- Wheelbarrow transport
- Log carrying
- Digging
- Gardening
- Sweeping
- Water carrying
- Mud mixing
- Giant painting
- Rope pulling
- Leaf threading
- Outdoor weaving
- Peg activities
- Spray bottle painting
- Movement songs
- Ribbon dancing
- Nature movement games
- Child-designed obstacle courses
- Outdoor fine motor stations
Questions to Ask During Physical Development Outdoors
Try:
- How could you get across?
- What could help you balance?
- Can you move another way?
- Which way feels easier?
- Can you make it higher?
- Can you carry it together?
- What happens if you slow down?
- How can you make it more stable?
- Can you throw it further?
- Which hand feels easier?
Avoid interrupting children constantly.
Sometimes physical learning needs concentration and repetition.
What Should Practitioners Observe?
Look for children:
- moving confidently
- coordinating movements
- balancing
- climbing
- running with control
- jumping safely
- throwing
- catching
- manipulating tools
- developing grip
- carrying objects
- adapting movements
- judging space
- becoming more independent
Observe progress over time rather than comparing children with each other.
How Much Physical Activity Do EYFS Children Need?
Young children need frequent opportunities to be active throughout the day.
Physical development should not be restricted to one PE session.
Children need regular movement through:
- outdoor play
- continuous provision
- movement breaks
- active learning
- purposeful physical tasks
The strongest early years environments make movement part of everyday life.
Do We Need a Permanent Physical Development Area Outdoors?
No.
Physical development should be woven throughout outdoor provision.
Children can develop physically through:
- construction
- bikes
- digging
- water play
- gardening
- loose parts
- dance
- climbing
- den building
You do not need to separate Physical Development into one corner.
Does Physical Development Mean PE?
No.
PE may contribute to Physical Development, but the EYFS area is broader.
It includes:
- gross motor skills
- fine motor skills
- coordination
- strength
- control
- movement
- independence
A child carrying a bucket or fastening a peg is developing physically just as much as a child completing a structured activity.
How Can We Support Physical Development in a Small Outdoor Space?
You do not need a large playground.
Try:
- chalk lines
- balance trails
- throwing targets
- crawling
- movement songs
- large-scale painting
- pushing and pulling
- vertical mark making
- fine motor stations
The key is to use the available space intelligently.
How Can We Support Reluctant Movers?
Start with what interests the child.
If they love dinosaurs:
move like dinosaurs.
If they love vehicles:
create delivery routes.
If they love stories:
build movement into a story trail.
If they love water:
encourage carrying and pouring.
Movement does not always need to look like PE.
The Role of the Adult
Adults can:
- model movement
- support confidence
- introduce challenge
- encourage repetition
- notice development
- teach safe ways to move
- adapt resources
- help children assess risk
Avoid stepping in too quickly.
Children need opportunities to solve physical problems themselves.
The Muddy Puddle Teacher Approach to Physical Development Outdoors
At The Muddy Puddle Teacher, we believe children need to move.
Not occasionally.
Not only during PE.
But throughout the day.
Young children learn through their bodies.
They need opportunities to:
run.
climb.
carry.
dig.
jump.
balance.
push.
pull.
build.
create.
Physical development should not feel like a separate subject.
It should be woven into the everyday experiences of childhood.
Final Thoughts: Movement Is Learning
When a child carries a heavy bucket, they are learning.
When they climb carefully onto a log, they are learning.
When they steady themselves on a beam, they are learning.
When they squeeze a spray bottle, they are learning.
When they build an enormous den, they are learning.
Physical Development Outdoors is not simply about keeping children active.
It is about helping children develop the strength, coordination, control and confidence they need to access the whole curriculum.
So give children space.
Give them challenge.
Give them time.
And most importantly:
give them permission to move.
Physical Development Outdoors FAQs
What is Physical Development in EYFS?
Physical Development is one of the three prime areas of learning in the EYFS. It includes gross motor skills, fine motor skills, coordination, strength, movement and increasing control of the body.
What are good Physical Development activities outdoors?
Good activities include climbing, balancing, running, jumping, throwing, catching, bikes, digging, carrying, den building, construction, large-scale mark making and fine motor activities.
How does outdoor play support gross motor development?
Outdoor play gives children more space to run, climb, jump, carry, balance and move their whole bodies, helping develop strength and coordination.
How can outdoor play support fine motor skills?
Children can use pegs, tongs, chalk, spray bottles, mud, clay, ropes, threading and natural materials to develop hand and finger control.
Does climbing support writing?
Indirectly, yes. Climbing develops shoulder stability, upper-body strength and coordination, all of which contribute to the physical foundations needed for controlled writing.
How can bikes support Physical Development?
Bikes and scooters help develop balance, steering, coordination, strength, control and spatial awareness.
How does den building support Physical Development?
Den building involves carrying, reaching, pulling, lifting, tying, balancing and crawling, making it an excellent whole-body physical activity.
Is Physical Development the same as PE?
No. PE is only one part of children’s physical development. EYFS Physical Development also includes everyday movement, fine motor control, strength, coordination and self-care.
Can children develop physically in a small outdoor space?
Yes. Small spaces can still support balancing, fine motor activities, throwing, movement games, vertical painting, pushing, pulling and obstacle challenges.
Do I need expensive equipment?
No. Crates, ropes, buckets, cardboard, logs, natural materials and recycled loose parts can provide rich opportunities for physical development.
Discover our Outdoor Play EYFS Guide, Early Years Outdoor Learning Guide, Loose Parts Play EYFS Guide and sustainable early years ideas, or sign up for the free Muddy Puddle Teacher® weekly magazine for practical screen-free activities and outdoor learning inspiration. Take a 60-day free trial to download thousands of early years outdoor play ideas now.
