Outdoor learning is one of the most effective ways to boost engagement, encourage creativity, and promote well-being in children. At The Muddy Puddle Teacher®, we believe in bringing the curriculum outside through fun, sustainable, and inclusive activities that spark imagination and deepen understanding.
In this blog, we’ve rounded up 10 of our most popular outdoor learning activities from our website, loved by thousands of educators across the UK and beyond. All of these are linked to curriculum goals and designed to work in all weathers with minimal prep.
1. Outdoor Phonics with Natural Materials
Teach early phonics by collecting sticks, leaves, and stones to form Phase 2 and 3 sounds or build CVC words. It’s a fantastic way to embed learning through sensory play.
???? Explore our Outdoor Phonics Schemes
2. Fractions with Flowers
Use daffodils or daisies to teach fractions. Children group and split flowers into halves and quarters, making maths visual and hands-on.
???? See more in our Outdoor Maths Activities
3. Create a Mud Kitchen Potion Station
Role-play and sensory learning combine in this messy, magical activity. Children mix natural materials like mud, petals, and water to create imaginative potions.
???? Get outdoor EYFS planning ideas
4. Symmetry in Nature
Find leaves, feathers, or pebbles and arrange them to create symmetrical patterns. This activity supports maths and art simultaneously and encourages close observation.
???? Download our Outdoor Symmetry Lessons
5. Sound Hunts for Phase 1 Phonics
Encourage children to listen for environmental sounds—birdsong, wind, rustling leaves—as part of Phase 1 phonics. A wonderful introduction to phonological awareness.
???? Discover our Phase 1 Outdoor Phonics Pack
6. Timeline Trails in History
Use natural materials to create timelines on the ground when studying topics like the Stone Age to the Iron Age. It brings chronology to life and supports KS2 learners.
???? View Outdoor History Lessons
7. Mini Beast Maths
Go on a bug hunt and count, sort, or graph the creatures you find. This integrates science and maths while encouraging respect for nature.
???? Explore our Outdoor Science Schemes
8. Outdoor Continuous Provision Plans
Ideal for EYFS and KS1, these plans are packed with open-ended outdoor activity ideas for all areas of learning, themed for seasons and topics.
???? Browse Continuous Provision Plans
9. Story Stones & Nature Tales
Use painted stones and natural items to retell familiar stories or create new ones. This supports storytelling, sequencing, and oral language skills.
???? Find Outdoor Literacy Resources
10. Outdoor Yoga and Mindfulness
Support emotional well-being with calming yoga stretches and breathing exercises in nature. Perfect for transitions or quiet time.
???? Download Outdoor Wellbeing Resources
Ready to Go Further?
If you’re new to The Muddy Puddle Teacher® or want to explore more ideas, you can start with a FREE 60-day trial of our planning hub. Access hundreds of outdoor lessons, schemes, and training designed to get your school muddy in the best way.
???? Start Your Free Trial Here
Final Thoughts
These 10 activities are just the beginning. Outdoor learning opens up endless opportunities to teach creatively, sustainably, and meaningfully. At The Muddy Puddle Teacher®, we make it easy to align outdoor play with the curriculum while supporting all learners—rain or shine.
???? Visit our website to explore more: www.themuddypuddleteacher.co.uk
???? Browse our full Outdoor Learning Resources