12 Fun Outdoor Activities for Preschoolers and Toddlers
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 for preschoolers and toddlers that support learning while making childhood memories.
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12 Outdoor Activities for Toddlers
1. Birdwatching with Feeders
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.
👉 Great for: Developing observation skills and learning about wildlife.
2. Bug Hotels
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.
👉 Great for: Understanding habitats and nurturing curiosity about nature.
3. Rainy Day Adventures
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.
👉 Great for: Sensory play and resilience-building.
4. Growing Vegetables and Flowers
Planting seeds and watching them grow teaches children patience and responsibility. Toddlers especially love watering plants and spotting the first shoots.
👉 Great for: Learning about life cycles, seasons, and caring for living things.
5. Sand and Water Play
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.
👉 Great for: Fine motor skills, creativity, and early science learning.
6. Nature Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of simple things to find outdoors – a feather, a yellow leaf, a smooth stone – and let children go on a nature treasure hunt. Check out our free nature scavenger hunt here!
👉 Great for: Exploration, teamwork, and observational skills.
7. Leaf Printing
Collect leaves of different shapes and sizes, then use paint to create leaf prints on paper. This simple activity combines art with nature.
👉 Great for: Creativity and learning about shapes and textures.
8. Journey Sticks
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.
👉 Great for: Storytelling and memory-building.
9. Mud Kitchens
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.
👉 Great for: Imagination, sensory play, and social skills.
10. Chalk Games
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.
👉 Great for: Number recognition, balance, and coordination.
11. Mini Obstacle Courses
Use cones, hoops, or even just cushions outside to create a toddler-friendly obstacle course. Children can crawl, jump, and balance their way through.
👉 Great for: Gross motor development and confidence-building.
12. Outdoor Storytime
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.
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.
Discover more about how we support learning through play:
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.
