Outdoor early years settings are becoming increasingly popular as educators and parents recognize the immense benefits of learning through nature. These environments allow children to explore, play, and learn in a way that supports their development holistically. From mud kitchens to sensory gardens, here are the top 10 most popular features in outdoor early years settings and why they matter.
1. Mud Kitchens
A staple in outdoor learning, mud kitchens encourage imaginative play, collaboration, and sensory exploration. Children can create “mud pies,” mix “soups,” and mimic real-life cooking activities, enhancing fine motor skills and social interactions.
Learn more about the benefits of mud kitchens at Creative STAR Learning.
2. Sand and Water Play Areas
Sand and water play are essential for sensory development and fine motor skills. These areas offer endless opportunities for creativity, such as building sandcastles, measuring water, and exploring textures.
Explore the educational value of sand and water play at Community Playthings.
Enrol in our Outdoor Continuous Provision Course to gain inspiration & support in building an outstanding outdoor play space for early years. Start Now.
3. Sensory Gardens
Sensory gardens provide a calming and stimulating environment for young children. They feature plants with different textures, smells, and colors, engaging the senses and teaching children about nature.
Discover how to create a sensory garden at National Gardening Association.
4. Outdoor Reading Nooks
Cosy reading areas outdoors inspire a love for literacy. These spaces often include shade structures, cushions, and a small library, creating an inviting environment for children to enjoy books.
Find ideas for outdoor reading spaces at Scholastic.
5. Loose Parts Play
Loose parts such as sticks, stones, and recycled materials allow children to use their imagination and creativity. This open-ended play encourages problem-solving and collaboration.
Learn more about loose parts play at The Imagination Tree.
Enrol in our Outdoor Continuous Provision Course to gain inspiration & support in building an outstanding outdoor play space for early years. Start Now.
6. Nature Trails and Mini Gardens
Nature trails and mini gardens offer hands-on experiences with plants and animals. Children can learn about ecosystems, plant seeds, and observe insects, fostering curiosity about the natural world.
Get gardening tips for kids at Royal Horticultural Society.
7. Climbing Structures
Climbing frames, logs, and rope ladders support physical development and gross motor skills. These features also encourage risk-taking and resilience as children navigate challenges.
Understand the importance of climbing for early years development at Play England.
8. Outdoor Art Stations
Art stations outdoors let children create without fear of making a mess. Children can paint, sculpt, and express their creativity in unique ways using natural materials like leaves and sticks.
Explore outdoor art ideas for early years at NurtureStore.
9. Role-Play Areas
Outdoor role-play areas, such as pretend shops or campsites, allow children to act out scenarios and develop social and communication skills. These settings encourage creativity and help children explore real-world situations.
Read about the benefits of role-play at Early Years Resources.
Enrol in our Outdoor Continuous Provision Course to gain inspiration & support in building an outstanding outdoor play space for early years. Start Now.
10. Bug Hotels and Wildlife Areas
Bug hotels and wildlife areas invite children to observe and learn about local fauna. They promote respect for living creatures and teach children about biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
Learn how to build a bug hotel at Wildlife Trusts.
10 New Ideas for Early Years Teachers to Do in Their Outdoor Spaces
Outdoor spaces offer endless opportunities for creativity and learning in the early years of education. Here are ten fresh and engaging ideas for early years teachers to transform their outdoor spaces into exploration, discovery, and fun hubs.
**1. Seasonal Nature Art
Encourage children to collect leaves, flowers, sticks, and other natural materials to create seasonal collages or sculptures. For example, children can make leaf animals or stick trees in autumn.
Why it works: Combines creativity with sensory exploration and fine motor skills.
2. DIY Music Wall
Create a music wall using pots, pans, metal lids, and other items children can hit, shake, or tap. Add water to containers for a wet, musical twist.
Why it works: Stimulates auditory exploration and enhances coordination.
Enrol in our Outdoor Continuous Provision Course to gain inspiration & support in building an outstanding outdoor play space for early years. Start Now.
3. Mini Beast Hunts
Set up a bug safari by placing logs, stones, and leaves for children to lift and explore. Provide magnifying glasses and guide them to observe insects in their natural habitat.
Why it works: Promotes curiosity about nature and basic science skills.
4. Mud Writing Practice
Set up a mud tray and let children practice drawing letters, shapes, or numbers with sticks. Add challenges like copying patterns or writing their names.
Why it works: Blends sensory play with literacy and fine motor development.
5. Outdoor Storytelling Circle
Create a storytelling area with logs, cushions, or tree stumps. To make storytelling interactive, use props like puppets, natural objects, or themed story stones.
Why it works: Builds language, imagination, and listening skills.
6. Sensory Treasure Hunts
Design treasure hunts based on textures, colours, or sounds. For example, ask children to find something rough, green, or something that makes a sound when tapped.
Why it works: Sharpens observation skills and fosters sensory awareness.
Enrol in our Outdoor Continuous Provision Course to gain inspiration & support in building an outstanding outdoor play space for early years. Start Now.
7. Build a Weather Station
Help children set up a simple weather station with rain gauges, windsocks, and thermometers. Track daily weather and discuss its impact on plants and animals.
Why it works: Encourages observation, recording, and early science exploration.
8. Obstacle Course Adventures
Design obstacle courses with natural and simple materials, such as logs for balancing, hoops for jumping, and tunnels for crawling. Add a “mission” like saving a toy animal along the way.
Why it works: Enhances physical development, coordination, and problem-solving.
9. Outdoor Role-Play Zones
Set up themed areas, such as a pretend campsite, a woodland kitchen, or an animal rescue center, using natural props and recycled materials. Rotate themes to keep the theme fresh.
Why it works: Encourages social play, creativity, and communication skills.
10. Water Exploration Table
Create a water play station with natural materials like pinecones, leaves, and stones. Add challenges like building floating rafts or exploring how different materials sink or float.
Why it works: Promotes sensory exploration, science, and problem-solving skills.
