Outdoor time is more than fresh air. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) explains that outdoor play lets children use all their senses to build skills like spatial awareness and balance, and it can improve a child’s attention span. Studies cited by the AAP suggest that young children in countries where schools allow more time for recess see more academic success as they get older. Yet, the AAP notes that an estimated 30% of U.S. kindergarten children no longer have recess. Simple outdoor learning activities can fill that gap at home, turning a backyard, a park walk or a small garden into a rich learning space.

Before you begin: Always supervise children closely outdoors. Use sun protection, empty water containers after use, and check play areas for hazards.

Why outdoor learning matters

According to the AAP’s clinical report on the power of play, outdoor play is particularly important because it engages all the senses and helps children develop spatial awareness, balance and a longer attention span. The AAP also states that exposure to nature helps children appreciate the importance of climate resilience. When children dig in soil, watch clouds or listen to birds, they are not just playing: they are building observation skills, learning cause and effect, and strengthening their bodies.

ZERO TO THREE emphasizes that early science and engineering topics appropriate for young children include life sciences, such as planting seeds and observing growth, and earth and space science, such as learning about weather. These experiences can happen naturally outdoors. The organization notes that early math skills are a predictor of future school achievement in both math and literacy, and that joyful STEM activities can shift the narrative so children enter kindergarten with a strong foundation and a positive STEM identity.

Simple outdoor activities by age

The activities below draw on guidance from the AAP, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Head Start and ZERO TO THREE. Each one states a learning goal, a suggested age range, materials you likely already have, and a safety note. Remember that milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do at a given age; they are not a checklist or a test. If you have concerns about your child’s development, talk with your pediatrician. As the CDC advises, early intervention can make a difference.

Nature walks and wagon rides (toddlers 2 to 3 years, and up)

The CDC suggests helping your child explore things around them by taking them on a walk or wagon ride. Head Start’s activities handbook encourages families to talk about everything they see outdoors: colors, shapes, clouds, trees, animals and insects. Ask your child to describe what they notice. This builds vocabulary, observation skills and early science thinking. ZERO TO THREE adds that walking down a path can create an organic opportunity to notice patterns, such as in leaves or pavement.

Learning goal: Language development, sensory awareness, early science (observation, patterns).
Materials: None required; a wagon or stroller can help younger children.
Safety note: Stay on safe paths away from traffic. Keep a close eye on your child near any water, even puddles. The AAP warns that young children can drown in as little as an inch or two of water.

Follow the leader and movement games (toddlers 2 to 3 years)

The CDC recommends playing parade or follow the leader with your toddler. The AAP, for ages 1 to 3 years, suggests giving children opportunities to explore their bodies through different movements such as walking, jumping and standing on one leg. For ages 4 to 6 years, the AAP encourages trying a variety of movements in a safe environment, including hopping, swinging, climbing and doing somersaults. You can adapt follow the leader to include big steps, tiny steps, arm swings or animal walks.

Learning goal: Gross motor skills, balance, listening and following directions.
Materials: Open space, grass or a soft surface.
Safety note: Check the ground for rocks, sticks or holes. The AAP playground safety guidance reminds caregivers to steer clear of hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt; grass may look soft but is not a shock-absorbing surface. For climbing, use age-appropriate equipment and stay within arm’s reach.

Planting and caring for a garden (preschoolers, about 3 to 4 years and up)

Head Start’s activities handbook suggests helping children dig and plant a garden. Talk about each tool and what it does. Look at seed packages together, decide what to plant, and remind children to water the growing plants. ZERO TO THREE identifies planting seeds and observing growth as a life sciences activity that fits naturally into outdoor play. This kind of project teaches responsibility, patience and early biology concepts.

Learning goal: Life science (plant growth), fine motor skills, responsibility.
Materials: Seeds, soil, containers or a small patch of ground, child-sized tools.
Safety note: Choose plants that are safe to touch. Remind children never to eat any plant without asking an adult. Wash hands after handling soil. Supervise to prevent children from putting small seeds or soil in their mouths.

Sensory play with bubbles, grass and water (babies and toddlers)

The AAP, for ages 7 to 12 months, recommends exposing babies to a variety of sensory experiences, such as playing on the grass or catching bubbles. Head Start’s activities handbook encourages families to talk about the colors, shapes and things they see outdoors. You can also offer a shallow bin of water with cups for pouring, always with touch supervision.

Learning goal: Sensory exploration, fine motor skills, early science concepts (wet/dry, sink/float).
Materials: Bubbles, a small container of water, plastic cups, natural objects like leaves or pinecones (large enough not to be a choking hazard).
Safety note: Never leave a child unattended near water, even a small bin. The AAP recommends staying within arm’s length and providing constant “touch supervision.” Empty all water containers immediately after use. Avoid small objects that could be choking hazards; and the CDC advises checking toys often for loose or broken parts.

Outdoor pretend play and storytelling (ages 1 to 5 years)

The AAP states that pretend play lets young children experiment with different social roles and learn to cooperate. Outdoors, a stick can become a magic wand, a log a pirate ship. Head Start encourages families to act out stories or imitate characters. The CDC suggests encouraging your child to take part in pretend play. You can bring a favorite book outside and act out the story, or ask your child to tell you what else might happen, as the AAP suggests for ages 4 to 6 years.

Learning goal: Creativity, language, social-emotional skills.
Materials: Simple props like a blanket, cardboard box, or dress-up clothes; nature items as props.
Safety note: Avoid items with drawstrings or long cords that could catch on equipment, as the AAP playground safety guidance warns. Check that props are free of sharp edges.

Safety essentials for outdoor play

Outdoor learning is powerful, but it requires careful attention to safety. The following practices come from AAP guidance on sun safety, drowning prevention and playground safety, along with general injury prevention advice.

Sun protection

The AAP recommends keeping babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight. For all children, dress them in cool, comfortable clothing that covers the body, such as lightweight cotton pants and long-sleeved shirts. Choose a hat with an all-around 3-inch brim to shield the face, ears and back of the neck. Limit sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 (up to SPF 50), apply it 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. For babies younger than 6 months, use sunscreen on small areas like the face if shade and clothing are not available. The AAP also advises wearing sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection.

Water safety

Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 4, according to the AAP. The biggest threat is unexpected, unsupervised access to water. The AAP recommends using multiple layers of protection. Empty all water containers, such as buckets, wading pools and coolers, immediately after use. Fence swimming pools on all four sides with a barrier at least 4 feet high and a self-closing, self-latching gate. Use safety gates or door locks to prevent a toddler from going outside unnoticed. During bath time or any water play, provide touch supervision: stay within arm’s length. The AAP states that children should not be allowed to bathe alone until they are at least 6 years old. Avoid floaties, water wings or inflatable toys; they can deflate and do not prevent drowning. The AAP also encourages swim lessons after a child’s first birthday, based on readiness, and recommends that parents learn CPR.

Playground safety

Choose playgrounds with equipment geared toward your child’s age and size. The AAP, citing the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), notes that most playground injuries happen when a child falls onto the ground. Look for a thick layer of wood chips, mulch, sand, pea gravel (12 or more inches deep) or safety-tested rubber mats under and around equipment, extending at least 6 feet in all directions. Avoid hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt. Check that slides have sides at least 4 inches high and a platform with rails at the top. Teach children to go down slides feet first. For swings, make sure seats are made of soft materials and that open hooks are closed. The AAP advises against going down a slide with a child on your lap, as children’s legs often get caught. Remove bike helmets before playing on equipment, and avoid clothing with drawstrings or necklaces that could become a strangulation hazard.

General safety reminders

Supervise children at all times. The AAP notes that lack of supervision is linked with nearly half of playground-related injuries. Keep choking hazards and small parts away from young children. The AAP warns against water beads for young children, and the CPSC cautions about button batteries. Use only non-toxic, water-based art supplies if you bring craft activities outside. If you have concerns about a sunburn, a fall or any injury, call your pediatrician. For a baby younger than 1 year with a sunburn, the AAP says to call the doctor right away.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main benefits of outdoor play for young children?

The AAP states that outdoor play helps children use all their senses to build spatial awareness, balance and attention span. It also supports physical health, motor skills and social-emotional growth. ZERO TO THREE adds that early science and math concepts can be woven into outdoor exploration, building a strong foundation for later learning.

How can I keep my toddler safe around water during outdoor play?

The AAP recommends using multiple layers of protection: empty all water containers after use, fence pools completely, use door locks or alarms to prevent unsupervised access, and provide constant touch supervision whenever your child is near water. Avoid inflatable toys as safety devices, and consider parent-child swim lessons after age 1.

What should I look for in a safe playground?

The AAP and CPSC advise choosing a playground with age-appropriate equipment and a soft surface underneath, such as wood chips, sand or rubber mats, extending at least 6 feet from the equipment. Check for sharp edges, hot surfaces, and proper spacing on climbing structures. Always supervise children and teach them safe behaviors like going down slides feet first.

For more ideas, visit our Outdoor Learning section, where you can find activities that combine nature, movement and discovery. You may also enjoy our guides on Learning Through Play, the Learning Through Play pillar article, Learning by Age, and Science and Nature.

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