Wanting to engage younger children in fun outdoor activities, look no further than your own backyard. Outdoor games for preschoolers can be a great way to encourage an early love of nature; in fact, research has shown that spending time outdoors can have a profound impact on both mental and physical health, making it an essential activity for kids to learn at a young age. It’s not necessary to be a seasoned hiker or expert naturalist to reap the benefits of outdoor play.
Even simple activities like visiting a nearby park or simply spending time in your own yard can have a profound impact on both you and your child. By doing so, you’ll not only be teaching your child about the importance of nature, but also fostering a sense of curiosity and exploration that will last a lifetime.
Outdoor Art Activities for Preschoolers
Engaging in art activities can be a profoundly therapeutic experience for people of all ages, but particularly beneficial for children. By participating in a creative project, kids can focus their attention and tap into different parts of the brain, providing a welcome respite from the constant stimulation we often face. What’s more, using natural mediums to create something new and unique can be incredibly empowering and even lead to teachable moments that foster growth and development.
Toilet Paper Roll Bird Feeder
To create this engaging outdoor project, gather the following materials: sturdy twine capable of withstanding varying weather conditions, a paper tube, birdseed, a nut butter-based adhesive (peanut butter or seed butter), a hole punch, a plastic knife, and a disposable paper plate. Begin by punching two holes opposite one another at the top of the paper tube, taking care to avoid applying any adhesive to these areas.
Next, spread a thin layer of adhesive evenly across the tube’s surface, leaving the punched holes untouched. Once prepared, pour a generous amount of birdseed onto the plate and gently roll the tube to collect a layer of feed. Finally, thread the twine through the pre-punched holes and suspend the feeder in a location chosen by you and your companion.
Nature Walk Bracelet
To create a simple yet engaging nature-inspired bracelet, start by cutting a piece of duct tape roughly two inches longer than the child’s wrist circumference. Attach it around their wrist inside out, making sure the sticky side is facing outward. This will allow them to collect various natural elements like leaves, pinecones, or feathers during your walk.
As you explore together, encourage children to pick and choose items that catch their eye, taking care not to attach anything too large for comfortable wear. If needed, discuss the importance of proportion when adding larger items to ensure a secure fit. This low-key activity is an excellent way to get kids excited about spending time outdoors, and it can even spark inspiration for future fall-themed craft projects perfect for preschoolers.
Flower Bouquet
Whether your family decides on a specific order or goes with the flow, it’s essential to gather fresh flowers for this delightful activity. Begin by finding a vase coloring page and printing it out on cardstock. If you haven’t already, take some time to color in the design. Next, venture out for some natural flowers, visit your garden, or stop by the store if needed. Collect the flowers and use a hole puncher to create openings for threading them through.
If you don’t have a hole puncher, this step can be easily bypassed. Once the stems are trimmed to fit the page, secure everything in place with tape. As an added bonus, your preschool girls will also enjoy these engaging games designed specifically for them.
Photo Frame with Seashell Art
Gather the following materials: paint or markers, glue, small decorations of your child’s choice, and sized popsicle sticks. Before starting the activity, take a stroll on the beach with your little one to collect shells. As you walk, explore different environments, sensory experiences, and various habitats found on the beach. This can spark meaningful conversations about the world around us.
Once you’ve collected your shells, give them a good clean and dry before decorating the popsicle sticks and shells. Allow any necessary drying time, then return to assemble the stick-shell creations using glue. Finally, let the final product sit and set before displaying or playing with it.
Sidewalk Chalk Paint
In just a few simple steps, you can create a vibrant and fun outdoor art project with your kids. The magic starts by mixing together 1 cup of cornstarch, 1/2 cup of water, and food dye to create a batch of chalk paint that yields one set. This amount might not be enough for multiple colors, so plan ahead if you want to make different hues for the kids to use. To mix the ingredients, simply whisk together the starch and water until well combined.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can even separate the mixture into smaller portions to create unique colors for each child. Once the paint is ready, let your little artists loose on the driveway or sidewalk. They’ll have a blast creating their masterpieces, and when they’re done for the day, just grab your hose and give it a quick spray to wash away any excess paint. Just be sure to do this before too much time passes, as leaving the paint out for an extended period can cause discoloration.
Water Balloon Painting
Imagine a creative scenario inspired by The Princess Diaries, where instead of bursting paint-filled balloons, we’re creating a fun and mess-free experience. We’ll be using water-filled balloons that will dip into washable paint and then roll across the page, allowing for unique and colorful designs to emerge.
To ensure maximum creativity without worrying about cleanup, it’s essential to secure your paper on a surface that can withstand any accidental spills or splatters – think kiddie pool, back patio, or any other cleanable area you have available.
Splat Painting
Incorporating similar techniques from our previous balloon painting project, we’re now using sponges as our primary tool for creating art. To make things even more convenient, we’re combining these sponges with acrylic washable paint. For those seeking a way to keep their colors organized, we recommend utilizing this machine-safe option. To further enhance the creative experience, consider experimenting with various sponge sizes by cutting them in half or into different shapes.
Allow your children to freely express themselves and explore the possibilities of layering on cardstock or poster board – a heavier weight paper that provides an excellent foundation for their artwork.
Nature Craft Collage
Give your kids a creative outlet and create a stunning nature-inspired collage that’s both impressive and eco-friendly. To get started, grab some clear contact paper – it’s the perfect solution for preserving those special natural findings without damaging them. Next, apply the non-sticky side of the contact paper to your work surface, allowing you to stick flat pieces of nature, such as leaves or rocks, onto the adhesive side.
Once your child has finished creating their masterpiece, simply press another sheet of contact paper together, ensuring the collage is firmly secured and ready for display.
Nature Paint Brush
Unleash your child’s creativity by setting up a fun outdoor art station. Gather materials from around the yard, such as sticks, leaves, and rocks, and let them use pipe cleaners or string to bind items together in unique ways. For an added twist, bring out the paints and let their little hands get messy with nature-inspired brush strokes. As they work on their masterpieces, encourage them to experiment with different colors and textures, watching as their artistic vision comes to life.
Outdoor Movement Ideas
While it’s essential for everyone to prioritize outdoor physical activity, incorporating movement into the daily routine of young children can have a profoundly positive impact on their lives. Preschool outdoor activities offer an ideal opportunity to harness the boundless energy and curiosity of this age group, channeling it into exciting experiences that foster growth and development in a constantly changing environment.
Swimming Science
Dive into a fun and interactive science lesson by exploring the concept of buoyancy with your kids at the pool. Start by asking them, ‘What makes things float.’ Use various objects around the pool to demonstrate how some items defy gravity and others don’t. For example, try dropping a small toy or leaf into the water – it should float. Then, introduce a heavier object like a brick or stone and watch as it sinks to the bottom.
This hands-on experiment allows kids to visualize the concept of buoyancy and develop an understanding of why some objects rise to the surface while others don’t.
Outdoor Obstacle Course
Creating an obstacle course is an excellent way to engage kids in physical activity while developing important skills like critical thinking and gross motor coordination. The best part: You can set it up using items readily available in your backyard or garage, such as hula hoops, kiddie slides, and jump ropes.
For added fun, consider investing in affordable and kid-friendly obstacles like collapsible tunnels, tumbling mats, and balance beams that will provide hours of entertainment for the whole family.
Pool Noodle Ring Toss
Unleash the excitement of a sizzling summer day with the pool noodle ring toss game. Gather your essential supplies – pool noodles, duct tape, and water balloons – to set up an unforgettable outdoor experience. Create the rings by taping the noodles together, lining them up in a row, and placing the bucket at one end. Then, let everyone take turns trying their hand at tossing balloons into the rings, making up their own rules or simply enjoying the thrill of the game.
Chalk Walk
A creative extension of traditional hopscotch, the chalk walk game is specifically designed to challenge children’s gross motor skills. To set it up, start by drawing a simple path on the ground with chalk, then incorporate various exercises along the way, such as hopping on one foot, spinning around in a circle, or even walking on tiptoes. This interactive activity encourages kids to engage their large muscle groups while having fun and being active.
Outdoor Twister
Taking the Twister game outdoors was a fantastic way to spend an afternoon with four different chalk colors at our disposal. Before we started drawing circles, my family and I decided to get creative and draw them in whatever pattern worked best for us, considering the outdoor terrain. Once we were ready to play, someone called out the color and direction – whether it was left or right hand or foot – and we had to quickly switch gears to ensure a fun and thrilling experience.
Outdoor Yoga
Engaging in yoga outdoors can be a truly enriching experience that fosters a deeper connection to nature. As children regularly participate in outdoor yoga practices, they are likely to develop greater observational skills, as well as improved self-regulation and a range of additional benefits that extend beyond the physical realm. The incorporation of natural elements into their practice will help them cultivate a sense of harmony with the environment.
Tug of War
While tug-of-war may be known for its chaotic and intense moments, it can also serve as a valuable opportunity for individuals to engage in physical activity and connect with others. The thrill of the game not only provides an outlet for energetic release but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants.
Corn Hole Toss
Why not let kids get in on the action? The beauty of this game lies in its accessibility – almost anyone can play or keep up. If you’re feeling crafty, take it to the next level by creating a kid-friendly version using tutorials available online. To get started, gather some oversized sturdy cardboard, a paper plate to use as a stencil for making holes, and any paints you’d like to use for decorating. This set of boards is ideal for kids, providing hours of fun and entertainment.
Outdoor Sensory Play Ideas
The great outdoors is a treasure trove of sensory experiences, far surpassing the confines of an indoor setting. With its vast array of textures, colors, smells, and sounds, it’s no wonder that many people find themselves drawn to this natural environment time and again. And yet, there’s more to it than just basking in its beauty – the outdoors also offers a wealth of opportunities for learning and exploration.
From hiking and camping to birdwatching and simply taking in the view, there are countless ways to engage with nature while expanding your knowledge and broadening your horizons.
Puffy Sidewalk Paint
When it comes to pairing with sidewalk paint from above, puffy sidewalk paint is a fantastic companion that requires just four ingredients: flour, water, dish soap, and food coloring or washable paint. To get started, combine these components and divide them into separate batches if you want to create distinct colors. Next, pour each batch into its own cup and take it outside where you can compare the textures of your finished paintings side-by-side.
Once you’re done, simply hose away any remaining residue, leaving your sidewalk looking fresh and new.
Jello Dig
Transforming dessert-making into a sensory experience for kids: Sounds like a recipe for fun. To create this unique activity, start by preparing your favorite jello according to the package instructions. The twist comes when you add some oversized toys that can be easily cleaned to the mixture before refrigerating it overnight to set. The next morning, retrieve the jello and its accompanying toys from the fridge.
Set up a sensory-friendly zone by laying out a shower liner on a flat surface, along with a towel for easy cleanup and a bowl of water nearby. Then, invite your child to get creative and start digging into the wiggly, jiggly goodness. With every spoonful, they’ll be developing their sense of touch, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills – all while having an absolute blast.
Nature Alphabet and Number Line
Immerse your little ones in a fun outdoor learning experience with a nature line activity. Instead of traditional paper and pencil, use dirt as the canvas to practice tracing letters or numbers. Have your child collect natural objects such as leaves, sticks, or rocks while on a nature walk and use them to fill in the traced characters. This activity can be enjoyed by one child or multiple children working together, with each taking on a few lines to complete.
The final results will be a unique and fascinating display of their handiwork.
Sand and Water Sensory Bin
Sensory bins are always a hit with kids, and I’m excited to share this beach-themed container idea with you. For those looking for kid-friendly sand, simply add some toys or shells, along with scoopers, grabbers, or other fine motor tools. Allow the children to engage in imaginative play for a bit, then pose the question: what would happen if we added water to the bin? This sparks an excellent opportunity to explore science concepts, beach-related topics, and more.
Nature Printing
Step away from the screen and spend a relaxing afternoon engaging in an imaginative activity with your kids. Take a leisurely walk together, encouraging them to collect small natural treasures along the way. Once back home, break out washable paints and paper, and let their creativity shine by dipping their collected items into the paint and transferring them onto the page.
Muddy Alphabet Writing
For those who might find this sensory experience overwhelming, consider portioning the mud (chocolate pudding) into a ziplock bag to better contain the stimulation. On the other hand, if your child is comfortable with tactile exploration, you can transfer the pudding into an airtight tin and use it as a tool for practicing letter recognition, numerals, or even spelling out words they’re learning.
Nature Scavenger Hunt
The scavenger hunt’s versatility allows it to be tailored to your preferences. You can create a simple or elaborate list featuring native greenery in your area, either by designing one from scratch or using an online resource and printing it out. To make the activity more durable, consider laminating the list if you plan to use it frequently. What’s more, you can modify the hunt each time you play to suit specific objectives.
For instance, you might challenge participants to find a certain number of colors, learn the names of specific plants, or count how many they discover. The possibilities for creative variations are truly limitless.
Mud Pies
Indulge your child’s creativity with a timeless favorite: mud pies. This sensory-rich activity not only provides an opportunity for kids to connect with nature but also fosters scientific curiosity. To set it up, gather an old tub that can withstand the mess, some dirt, a few scoopers or toys, and water. Dress your little one in their playtime best (read: get them into old clothes) and let them take the reins.
Guide them through the process of adding water to the dirt, but also encourage exploration and discovery. As they mix and mingle, watch as the dirt transforms before their eyes, making it a memorable experience for both you and your child.
Outdoor Science Activities
Emphasizing experiential learning, I strongly believe that engaging in hands-on activities grounded in everyday life is an excellent way to foster a sense of curiosity and critical thinking in children. By conducting various experiments at home with your child, you can encourage them to think critically about the world around them and develop a deeper understanding of complex concepts through tangible experiences.
Colour Mixing Ice Cubes
This engaging experiment requires just two days to complete. To get started, gather an ice cube tray, small paper cups, and a variety of food dyes. Begin by adding water and different dye colors individually to the containers, allowing for unique color combinations in each cell. Next, freeze the mixture overnight before combining the resulting cubes on the second day.
As you assemble the cups, be sure to record the various color combinations you create alongside any predictions you or your young participants might have about what the final product will look like once the ice has fully melted.
Straw Rocket Stem Challenge
The timeless delight of blowing through a straw gets a creative boost with this engaging activity. For a successful execution, you’ll need a diverse array of materials: a thinner straw, a thicker straw, paper, tape, and scissors. Begin by securing one side of the wider straw with tape, leaving only a single opening. Have your child draw their rocket design on a smaller piece of paper, allowing them to unleash their creativity.
Once complete, attach the rocket to the thick straw, positioning it at the end of the skinny straw. With all in place, have your child blow into the straw to launch their very own rocket. This development activity is not only entertaining but also fosters imagination and problem-solving skills.
Nature Colour Wheel
Integrating colour theory into everyday life is a simple yet effective way to help young children develop their observation skills and identify objects based on their colours. To achieve this, gather a paper plate, construction paper in the specific colour you’re focusing on, scissors, and a glue stick. Cut out small squares that fit around the circle and create a circular border once complete, glue everything down to secure it in place.
Next, embark on a walk with your child, bringing the plate along for the journey. This will enable them to make colour matches in real-time, connecting what they’ve learned with the natural world. Upon returning home, lay out all the materials on the table and have your child glue their collected nature findings onto the plate. This activity not only reinforces colour theory but also encourages an appreciation for the beauty of nature.
Popping Bags
A spin on the classic science experiment, Popping Bags transforms the traditional setup into an exciting experience using ziplock bags. This engaging activity is perfect for exploring chemical reactions and sensory elements while encouraging students to take notes and observe the process. To initiate a notable sequence of events, add baking soda and vinegar to the bag in varying amounts.
For a more dramatic reaction, use larger quantities, or try smaller amounts to witness the same outcome unfold at a slower pace.
Magic Mud
To create this unique sensory material, combine 1 cup of cornstarch with 2/3 cup of dish soap. You can also add a dash of dye to give it the desired color. As you mix, pay attention to the consistency, aiming for a texture that’s simultaneously gooey and solid – just firm enough to stick together when manipulated. This engaging concoction is perfect for kids to engage in imaginative play, develop their fine motor skills, or even practice their numbers and letters.
Sun Prints
For creatives of all ages, sun prints are an innovative and captivating medium for artistic expression. To create these unique prints, gather construction paper, various objects like leaves or flowers, and a sunny afternoon. Find a spot in your backyard where you can hang the papers out to dry for several hours. Arrange the objects on the paper in any pattern that sparks your imagination, allowing them to remain undisturbed.
After a few hours, return to retrieve the items and examine the resulting prints. Engage your kids in the process by asking what they think happened and explaining how the sun’s rays can create such fascinating patterns.
Sandbox Volcano
Create an unforgettable experience for your little one by bringing the classic baking soda and vinegar experiment to life in a sandbox and volcano format – a perfect way to introduce this reaction to preschoolers outside of a plastic baggie. Start by having your child construct their own mini-volcano using the sandbox, then carefully pour baking soda into the chute. Take a few steps back and add the vinegar, watching in awe as the eruption unfolds.
Planting seeds
There’s no better way to connect with nature than planting seeds with your children. For an easy and successful experience, consider starting with flowers like Marigold, Morning Glory, Zinnia, Nasturtium, Impatiens, Sunflowers, Geranium, Nigella, or Sweet Peas. These varieties are perfect for kids, as they’re relatively low-maintenance and produce impressive results.
To get started, grab a starter bin, paper cups, or any other container that can accommodate the number of seeds you plan on planting. Follow the packet’s instructions, watch your children help them grow, and encourage them to keep a journal of their observations and findings.
Outdoor Water Play Ideas
Water play provides a unique opportunity to engage preschoolers in an exercise that seamlessly integrates with various subjects, while simultaneously promoting fun and learning. By leveraging this activity, educators can effectively convey the significance of water in a way that’s both relatable and accessible to young students.
Kid Car Wash
When it comes to learning, experience is often the best teacher. Why not take this concept and apply it to something that’s already a regular part of adult life – getting their car washed. The possibilities are endless, and depending on your budget, you can get creative with DIY solutions or opt for a more traditional approach. Whatever method you choose, the key is to have fun and make it an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
I’ve seen families use PVC pipes and streamers to create a makeshift car wash station, while others might prefer to use chalk to draw out a design on the pavement. The beauty of this activity lies in its simplicity – it’s all about embracing the moment and having a good time with your loved ones. At the end of the day, what matters most is that you’re making memories with your family and creating experiences that will be treasured for years to come.
Water Balloon Number Match
Beat the heat by transforming your backyard into an interactive math playground. On a scorching hot day with no pool in sight, grab some chalk and write numbers 1 to 20 in a creative pattern around your little one. This will not only keep them entertained but also provide a fun learning experience. To make it even more exciting, prepare water balloons – a few extra just in case. Assign each balloon a corresponding number by labeling them.
Then, let your kiddo pick a balloon and pop the matching chalk-written number on the ground with each successful ‘smash’, they’ll develop their problem-solving skills while having an absolute blast.
Water Wall
Imagine a fun, low-cost activity that’s perfect for families – one that encourages creativity while promoting sustainability. You can create this entertaining experience using items you likely have lying around your house. The beauty of it is that everything needed can be upcycled from household items, reducing waste and saving money. To start, gather a board to attach old containers like jugs or canisters to pour water through.
An old section of fence, bin lid, or even a wooden plank will work just fine next, find a fastener suitable for your board’s material – metal wire, string, glue, or hot glue gun, depending on the materials you have. Collect some old milk cartons, cans, and other containers to attach to the board. Make sure they’re clean and dry before use once everything is attached, place a catchall bin at the bottom to collect the water and make it easy to reuse This is where the fun begins.
Give your little ones a scoop or container to pick up water and pour through the different holes – guaranteed entertainment for kids of all ages.
Ice Painting
To create a mesmerizing color-changing effect, you’ll need just five simple ingredients: cornstarch, food coloring, water, an ice cube tray, and popsicle sticks. Start by mixing together the cornstarch and water to form a paste, then add in your chosen colors to create a swirling mixture. Pour this mixture into the ice cube trays and use the popsicle sticks to draw designs or patterns. Next, pop these trays into the freezer until they’re frozen solid.
Once they’ve thawed out, grab some paper and get ready to be amazed as the colors shift and swirl before your eyes, revealing a unique and fascinating display.
Alphabet Letter Wash
Transforming a sensory bin into an interactive experience, that’s exactly what we’re going to do. Start by gathering two large wash tubs from your local dollar store and fill one with just water. The other tub should be filled with a soapy solution. Now it’s time to add some fun elements: include all the letters of the alphabet, along with a sponge for kids to use as they explore.
This sensory bin allows children to mimic adult activities like washing dishes or even lets them take charge and clean something themselves.
Sponge Water Bombs
If a pool day isn’t on the cards, why not get creative with sponges instead? Grab a pack of these humble heroes and some hair accessories – colorful ones add a pop of fun, but feel free to stick with basics if you prefer. Each sponge gets transformed into three identical strips, which are then stacked 3×3 in a neat little bundle. Next, wrap a band or rubber tie around the middle as tightly as possible to secure your masterpiece.
Flower Soup Sensory Bin
A particularly charming bin option is a combination of water and flowers. Consider adding small scoops or other kid-friendly playthings to enhance the experience. This setup proves especially delightful during the spring season when the surroundings are already blooming with beauty.
Water Balloon Pinata
Create unforgettable memories with your little ones by hosting a refreshing water balloon filling experience. All you need are water, balloons, and perhaps some swimsuits. This clever tool is designed to save time and delight both kids and parents alike, allowing for hours of fun and laughter. If you’re looking for more engaging activities to enjoy with your preschoolers, be sure to explore our curated list of large group activities perfect for this age group.