Did you know children today spend less time outdoors than ever before? It’s a concerning trend, especially when we consider how vital outdoor play is for their development. Research shows that time spent in nature improves cognitive function, social skills, and emotional well-being in young children.
But beyond the stats, there’s something magical about watching a child explore the outdoors—their curiosity sparked, senses engaged, and imagination unleashed.
As early childhood educators, parents, and caregivers, we know the value of play. But how often do we take that play outside? Nature provides an incredible, free resource for learning that’s often overlooked. From sensory-rich experiences to activities that challenge both body and mind, outdoor play is a game-changer for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
In this guide, we’ll dive into 50 nature-based play activities that will not only keep children engaged but will also help them grow, learn, and connect with the world around them.
Whether it’s creating with natural materials or observing wildlife, these activities are designed to get children moving, thinking, and having fun—all while developing essential life skills.
1. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Source: Mini Mad Things
Create a list of natural items (e.g., leaves, rocks, feathers) for children to find. This is one of the best outdoor play ideas to keep kids engaged and moving while connecting with nature.
2. Leaf Rubbing Art
Source: First Palette
Place leaves under paper and rub with crayons to make leaf prints. This free outdoor activity for kids fosters creativity while exploring the textures of nature.
3. Build a Fairy House
Source: DIY Inspired
Use sticks, leaves, and other natural materials to create tiny homes for fairies. It’s a magical way to bring fun outdoor activities to do with kids into imaginative play.
4. Mud Kitchen
Source: Play of the Wild
Set up a play area with pots, pans, and mud for creative cooking. One of the messiest and most enjoyable outdoor activities for kids at home that encourages tactile play.
5. Nature Collage
Source: Learning & Exploring Through Play
Collect natural items like leaves, twigs, and flowers, and glue them onto paper to create artwork. This nature activity for toddlers is a wonderful way to help young ones interact with the environment creatively.
6. Rock Painting
Source: The Moments at Home
Paint rocks with various designs and use them for decoration or games. This outdoor activity for kids blends art and nature and can be done right at home.
7. Helping in the Garden
Source: Care for Kids
Involve children in planting flowers, vegetables, and herbs – or with general gardening duties such as weeding. A good outdoor activity for young children, it teaches responsibility while connecting with nature.
8. Nature Journaling
Source: Thimble & Twig
Have children draw or write about their observations and experiences in nature. This nature activity for kids builds reflection and observation skills while fostering a love of the outdoors.
9. Sensory Bin with Natural Materials
Source: Laughing Kids Learn
Fill a bin with soil, sand, leaves, and other natural materials for sensory play. It’s one of those free outdoor activities for kids that sparks curiosity and exploration.
10. Bird Watching
Source: Everyday Dishes
Set up a bird feeder and observe the different types of birds that visit. How do you engage kids in nature? Bird watching is a peaceful and educational way to do it!
11. Water Play
Source: Babyology
Use a hose or watering cans for splashing, pouring, and other water-based activities. A fantastic outdoor activity for kids at home to cool down and enjoy nature on a hot day.
12. Bug Hunt
Source: Kidspot
Search for insects under rocks, leaves, and logs. It’s a nature activity for toddlers that fosters curiosity and introduces them to the fascinating world of tiny creatures.
13. Outdoor Obstacle Course
Source: Friday We’re in Love
Create a course using natural elements like logs, rocks, and ropes for climbing and jumping. Why not incorporate some other common household and play items to extend the course, such as pool noodles, skipping ropes or hoops? It’s one of the most active outdoor play ideas that helps children build physical strength and coordination.
14. Nature Photography
Source: Childhood by Nature
Give children cameras or smartphones to capture images of their surroundings. One of the more creative outdoor activities for kids, it allows them to focus on the beauty of nature and develop their observation skills.
15. Build a Bug Hotel
Source: Ten Little
Create habitats for insects using natural and recycled materials like bamboo, pine cones, cardboard and leaves. Building bug hotels offers hands-on learning and encourages curiosity about wildlife.
16. Tree Climbing
Allow supervised tree climbing to help children develop physical skills and coordination. This timeless outdoor play idea is perfect for adventurous little ones.
17. Nature-Based Storytelling
Source: Megan Zeni
Use natural objects like leaves, stones, or feathers as props for storytelling and imaginative play. Kids will love creating their own nature-inspired stories.
18. Create a Nature Walk
Source: Kidspot
Take a walk through a local park, discussing different plants, animals, and natural features you encounter. With so many family friendly walking trails in South Australia, this is a fantastic weekend or school holiday activity the whole family can enjoy!
19. Kite Flying
Fly kites in an open outdoor space, enjoying the wind and movement. It’s a classic outdoor activity for kids that encourages children to be physically active while having fun.
20. Nature Sensory Walk
Walk barefoot on different textures like grass, sand, and dirt to experience various sensory inputs. This unique nature activity for toddlers helps little ones connect to the earth through touch.
21. Star Gazing
Observe the night sky and identify constellations. It’s an excellent activity for winding down the day and sparking curiosity about the universe.
22. Rock Hopping
Source: Playtivities
Use stones and rocks to create a path for children to hop across or follow, depending on their steadiness on their feet. This fun and challenging activity helps develop balance and coordination.
23. Create a Nature Sanctuary
Source: Get The Kids Outside
Set up a quiet space with natural elements like rocks, plants, and logs, where children can relax and reflect. Otherwise, venture out to your local park and find a calming sit spot for you children to enjoy some peaceful downtime whilst outdoors.
24. Nature Bingo
Source: School Mum
Create bingo cards with natural items like leaves, birds, or flowers, and have children mark them off as they find them. It’s a fun way to mix play with nature education.
25. Wildlife Tracking
Source: Parenting Science
Look for animal tracks and discuss which animals might have made them. This outdoor activity for kids encourages exploration and introduces children to the world of wildlife.
26. Pine Cone Crafts
Source: Sprouting Wild Ones
Use pine cones to create art projects or decorations. This creative activity engages children’s imagination while making use of natural materials found in the environment.
27. Sun Prints
Source: Mud & Bloom
Use special sun-printing paper to create silhouettes of natural objects like leaves or flowers. This activity teaches children about the effects of sunlight while creating beautiful art.
28. Mud Pies
Source: Crafty Kids at Home
Make “mud pies” using dirt, water, and natural materials for imaginative play. This is one of those fun outdoor activities to do with kids that taps into their creativity and love for messy play activities.
29. Nature Music
Source: Preschool Play & Learn
Create musical instruments from natural materials like drums from logs or maracas from seed pods. This outdoor play idea encourages children to explore sounds and rhythm in a natural setting.
30. Leaf and Twig Weaving
Source: Nature Play SA
Use leaves and twigs to create simple woven patterns. This nature activity for kids blends crafting with natural materials, improving fine motor skills while exploring textures.
31. Exploring Tunnels
Source: Good Living
Create tunnels using large cardboard boxes or natural structures like fallen trees. This activity brings a sense of adventure and imaginative play into outdoor exploration. In Adelaide (where most of our childcare centres are based), we’re also lucky to be home to many nature playgrounds, including the Morialta Conservation Park.
32. Giant Bubble Making
Source: Rhubarb & Wren
Use a homemade bubble solution and wands to create giant bubbles. This simple yet magical activity captivates children and adds fun to any outdoor activity for kids at home.
33. Planting Seeds
Involve children in the process of planting seeds in a garden or pots. Let them dig small holes, place seeds in the soil, and water them. Over time, they can observe how the seeds sprout and grow into plants.
This activity teaches responsibility, patience, and the basics of nature’s life cycles. Plus, it’s a perfect outdoor activity for kids at home that encourages a deeper connection to the environment.
34. Animal Observation
Observe and learn about various animals in the area, noting their behaviours and characteristics. This activity encourages children to quietly observe and respect wildlife around them.
There are many conservation parks in Adelaide, such as Cleland and Belair National Park, where children can observe a variety of animals in their natural habitats.
35. Dandelion Wishes
Blow on dandelions and make a wish, discussing how dandelions spread their seeds. This simple, calming activity connects children to the natural life cycle of plants.
36. Rock Balancing
Source: Ready Child
Try balancing rocks on top of each other to create stable and artistic structures. It’s an engaging outdoor activity for kids that requires concentration and patience.
37. Nature Puzzles
Source: Little Pine Learners
Create puzzles using natural objects by arranging them into patterns or shapes. This activity enhances children’s problem-solving abilities while they explore nature.
38. Leaf Boat Racing
Source: Mother Natured
Make small boats from leaves or bark and race them in a stream or puddle. A great way to turn a simple nature activity for toddlers and preschoolers into a fun competition.
39. Nature Paintbrushes
Source: Lovevery
Gather leaves, sticks, and other natural materials to create your own paintbrushes. Children can dip these nature-made brushes into paint and use them to create unique art pieces.
This activity blends creativity with nature exploration, offering a fun, hands-on way to engage with the environment.
40. Forest Bathing
Source: Childhood By Nature
Spend time in a forested area, focusing on the sensory experience of the surroundings. This mindful activity helps children connect deeply with nature and learn the benefits of spending time outdoors.
41. Flower Pressing
Source: Sow N’ Sow
Collect flowers and press them to create dried floral art. This creative outdoor activity for kids teaches patience and introduces them to the beauty of preserving natural elements.
42. Fossil Hunting
Source: National Geographic Kids
Look for interesting rock formations or imprints in the ground that might resemble fossils. This exciting activity engages children’s curiosity about the history of the earth.
43. Nature Potion Making
Source: Tinkergarten
Encourage children to gather leaves, flowers, and other natural materials to mix together in bowls or jars with water, creating their own “nature potions.”
This imaginative activity sparks creativity and allows kids to explore textures and scents in nature, while fostering a sense of discovery and play.
44. Nature Mandala
Source: Mary Makes Good
Gather items like rocks, leaves, flowers, and sticks to create a beautiful mandala pattern on the ground. Children can arrange their collected natural materials in circular, symmetrical designs, which helps develop focus, creativity, and an appreciation for patterns in nature.
This activity is calming and offers a great opportunity for mindfulness in the outdoors.
45. Leaf Threading
Source: Treehouse Learning
Collect a variety of large leaves with stems, and provide the children with a piece of string. Assisting them to puncture holes in the leaves, they can thread the leaves together to make garlands, necklaces, or hanging decorations.
This activity helps develop fine motor skills and encourages creativity, all while engaging with natural materials.
46. Cave Exploration
Source: South Australia
Explore natural caves or rock formations, discussing their formation and significance. This outdoor activity for kids teaches them about geology, while igniting a sense of adventure.
Adelaide and its surrounds offer fascinating cave exploration opportunities, such as Naracoorte Caves, Tantanoola Caves, Mount Gambier Cave Gardens and Sellicks Beach, where children can learn about geology and experience the wonder of natural formations.
47. Cloud Watching
Lay down on the grass and watch the clouds drift by. Encourage children to imagine what shapes or animals they see and share their thoughts with each other. This calm, contemplative activity helps foster creativity and mindfulness while deepening their connection with nature.
48. Nature Charades
Source: In The Playroom
Act out different animals or natural phenomena and have others guess what they are. This playful activity teaches children about the natural world while encouraging creative movement.
Visit In The Playroom to view all of their free printable animal charades cards!
49. Flower Identification
Learn to identify and name different flowers in the area. This simple activity introduces children to botany and enhances their awareness of the diversity in plant life.
50. Sun and Shadow Play
Source: Tinkergarten
Use the sun to create shadow drawings or play shadow games on sunny days. This outdoor play idea encourages children to explore light and shadow while being active outdoors.
Conclusion
Outdoor play isn’t just fun—it’s foundational to a child’s growth and development. Whether it’s building a fairy house, observing animals, or creating a nature journal, these activities foster creativity, physical health, and a love for nature.
By incorporating outdoor play into daily routines, we offer children the chance to explore, learn, and grow in ways that indoor activities simply can’t replicate. So, grab some supplies, head outside, and watch how these nature-based experiences inspire your little ones!