12 Fun Outdoor Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Spending time outside is one of the best ways for young children to explore, play, and learn.

Outdoor play not only sparks joy and curiosity, but also supports healthy development, from building strong muscles to encouraging problem-solving and creativity.

At My Ohana, we believe the best learning happens through play. That's why outdoor activities are an essential part of our nursery routine. If you're looking for inspiration, here are 12 fun outdoor activities and games for toddlers and preschoolers that support learning while making childhood memories.

Jump to:

• 12 Outdoor Activities for Toddlers and Preschoolers

12 Outdoor Activities for Early Years

1. Birdwatching with Feeders

Best for: 2 to 5 years

Set up a simple bird feeder in your garden or local park and watch who comes to visit. Children can help fill the feeder, observe which birds stop by, and even draw pictures of what they see. For younger toddlers, keep it simple by naming colours and sounds; preschoolers can start counting visits or spotting different species.

👉 Great for: Developing observation skills and learning about wildlife.

2. Bug Hotels

Best for: 2 to 5 years

Building a bug hotel with sticks, leaves, and cardboard is a brilliant way for children to explore mini-beasts. Over time, they can check which insects have moved in. A cardboard box or old plant pot works just as well as anything fancy, so it's an easy one to do at home too.

👉 Great for: Understanding habitats and nurturing curiosity about nature.

3. Rainy Day Adventures

Best for: 18 months to 5 years

A rainy forecast doesn't need to mean indoor play. Puddle jumping, catching raindrops in buckets, and exploring how rain changes the environment are all exciting learning opportunities.

Wellies and a spare change of clothes are the only real essentials!

👉 Great for: Sensory play and resilience-building.

4. Growing Vegetables and Flowers

Best for: 2 to 5 years

Planting seeds and watching them grow teaches children patience and responsibility. Toddlers especially love watering plants and spotting the first shoots. Fast growers like sunflowers, cress, or radishes are ideal if little ones need to see quick results.

👉 Great for: Learning about life cycles, seasons, and caring for living things.

5. Sand and Water Play

Best for: 18 months to 5 years

Whether it's a sandpit, water table, or mud kitchen, children can spend hours experimenting. Pouring, scooping, mixing, and building are all part of the fun. A great STEM Activity for our early learners!

👉 Great for: Fine motor skills, creativity, and early science learning.

6. Nature Scavenger Hunt

Best for: 3 to 5 years

Make a list of simple things to find outdoors, such as a feather, a yellow leaf, or a smooth stone, and let children go on a nature treasure hunt. For younger toddlers, swap the list for pictures they can match rather than words. Check out our free nature scavenger hunt here!

👉 Great for: Exploration, teamwork, and observational skills.

7. Leaf Printing

Best for: 2 to 5 years

Collect leaves of different shapes and sizes, then use paint to create leaf prints on paper. This simple activity combines art with nature and works well as a calmer activity after a more energetic game.

👉 Great for: Creativity and learning about shapes and textures.

8. Journey Sticks

Best for: 3 to 5 years

On a walk, children can collect natural items like flowers, twigs, and leaves, then tie them to a stick with string or elastic. This creates a keepsake of their adventure and gives them something to talk about once you're home.

👉 Great for: Storytelling and memory-building.

9. Mud Kitchens

Best for: 18 months to 5 years

Mixing mud pies and "soups" with sticks, leaves, and stones is messy play at its best. Encourage toddlers and preschoolers to role-play running a café or restaurant. An old set of pots and spoons is all you need to get started.

👉 Great for: Imagination, sensory play, and social skills.

10. Chalk Games

Best for: 2 to 5 years

From hopscotch to drawing shapes and numbers, chalk is a wonderful way to take learning outdoors. Washable chalk makes it low-mess and easy to refresh, and it works on any patio, path, or driveway.

👉 Great for: Number recognition, balance, and coordination.

11. Mini Obstacle Courses

Best for: 2 to 5 years

Use cones, hoops, or even just cushions outside to create a toddler-friendly obstacle course. Children can crawl, jump, and balance their way through. Keep gaps small and low for younger toddlers, and add a timer or challenge element for preschoolers.

👉 Great for: Gross motor development and confidence-building.

12. Outdoor Storytime

Best for: 18 months to 5 years

Simply taking a favourite book outside can transform reading time. Children can sit under a tree, listen to the sounds around them, and connect stories with nature.

👉 Great for: Language development and creating a calm, mindful moment.

Simple Outdoor Games for Toddlers and Preschoolers

If you're after something a little more active, these outdoor games are quick to set up and always go down well:

What's the Time, Mr Wolf?

• A classic chasing game that helps toddlers learn to listen and preschoolers practise counting.

Sleeping Lions

• A calmer game for when energy needs winding down; children lie still until someone moves, then they're "out".

Simon Says (Outdoor Edition)

• Add jumping, hopping, and animal moves to bring this favourite outside.

Bubble Chasing

• Blow bubbles and let toddlers chase and pop them; a lovely low-effort game for younger ones.

Follow the Leader

• Take turns leading a walk with different movements to copy, from tiptoeing to big giant steps.

Why Outdoor Play Matters

Outdoor activities aren’t just fun – they’re vital for development. They help preschoolers and toddlers:

• Stay active and healthy
• Build social and problem-solving skills
• Learn about the natural world
• Grow in independence and confidence

At My Ohana, we make outdoor play part of everyday nursery life because we know how important it is for young children’s growth and happiness.

Other Seasonal Activity Guides

Discover fun, hands-on ideas to enjoy with your little one all year round. Our seasonal activity blogs are filled with simple, budget-friendly activities perfect for preschoolers and early years children - from festive Christmas crafts to nature-inspired autumn adventures and sunny summer play.

• Easy Christmas Crafts for Preschoolers
• 9 Autumn Activities for Toddlers
• 7 Free Summer Activities for Pre-schoolers and Early Years
• Fun Spring Activities for Pre-schoolers and Nursery Children

Discover more about how we support learning through play:

• The Importance of Outdoor Play for Toddlers
• 10 Key Benefits of Nursery for Your Child’s Development
• Role Play in Early Years Education
• Holistic Child Development

Looking for a nursery that values outdoor learning as much as you do?

At My Ohana, our nurseries give children the space, encouragement, and opportunities to thrive through play – indoors and out. Find your nearest nursery today and discover how we can support your child’s early years journey.