At Sandytots, we love outdoor play – any chance we get to pull on our coats and wellies in the winter and splash through puddles, or to slather on sunscreen in the summer and dig in the sandpit, we take it!
The outdoors is our biggest and best classroom. Whether it’s looking at worms after the rain, building dens from sticks, or chasing bubbles across the grass, children are learning in ways that are active, creative and full of joy.
In our latest blog we thought we’d take a look at some of the best ways children can learn outdoors.
Nature Exploration
Why not grab a magnifying glass and head out together on a Critter Safari? Look closely in the grass, under leaves, and between stones to spot some of the most common creepy crawlies you might find in a garden or park. Each time your little explorer spots one, they can place a sticker or tick it off their checklist.
You could also try a Birdwatching Challenge. See if you and your child can identify some of the most common birds – either by sight or by recognising their unique birdsong.
Not only is this a fun way to spend time outdoors, but it also:
- Builds observation skills
- Encourages curiosity about nature
- Sparks conversation and discovery
- Turns every outing into an exciting learning experience
Whether it’s a busy bee buzzing by or a robin singing in the trees, nature is full of wonders waiting to be spotted!
Problem-Solving Challenges
Did you know that something as simple – and fun – as building a den outside is also a brilliant way to learn?
When children work together to create their own hideaway, they’re:
- Problem-solving as they figure out how to make it stand up
- Exploring how different shapes and materials fit together
- Practising teamwork by sharing ideas and tasks
Why not head outdoors and craft a simple retreat from sticks, blankets, or even cardboard boxes? Once it’s finished, snuggle inside and read a favourite story together to celebrate your creation.
Learning + fresh air + imagination = the perfect outdoor adventure!
Sensory Experiences
The great outdoors offers so many wonderful benefits – but one of our favourites is the endless variety of sensory experiences it brings.
Find a safe, clean spot to take your shoes off, then try walking barefoot together on the grass. Ask your little one to describe how it feels on their feet. Does it tickle? Is it cold? Is it soft or spiky?
Encourage them to explore with all their senses:
- Touch – the cool grass, rough tree bark, or smooth pebbles
- Smell – the fragrance of flowers, herbs, or freshly fallen rain
- Hearing – the splash of a puddle, the rustle of leaves, or birdsong in the trees
The more children notice and describe these experiences, the more they build language, observation skills, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Creative Outdoor Play
What’s better than letting your little one’s imagination run wild?
That stick? It’s now a magic wand – oh wait, no – it’s a fishing rod!
Those flower petals? They’ve been added to a secret mixture to create a magical potion.
The Wendy House? Today it’s a bustling little shop selling all of your garden treasures, from super-shiny pebbles to bunches of freshly picked flowers.
Outdoors, ordinary objects become the starting point for extraordinary adventures. And while they’re having fun, your child is also learning in powerful ways:
- Language & Communication – describing their play, telling stories, and using new vocabulary
- Problem-Solving Skills – figuring out how to set up their shop or mix the “perfect” potion
- Creativity & Innovation – turning everyday objects into something completely new
- Social Skills – sharing ideas, taking turns, and collaborating with friends
- Critical Thinking – making decisions about rules, roles, and what happens next in their story
- Emotional Development – expressing feelings through play and building confidence in their ideas
With just a little imagination, the outdoors transforms into a world of endless possibilities – where play sparks creativity, builds confidence, and turns every day into a new opportunity to learn.
If you would like to learn more about outdoor play and learning at Sandytots, please speak to your child’s key worker, they will be happy to help. If you get up to some fun outdoor adventures with your little one, feel free to share them with us on Tapestry, we’d love to see!
