5 Outdoor Learning Activities for Children

Outdoor learning is something most children enjoy in one way or another. Whilst not all children are sporty or particularly adventurous, there are so many different activities which can be done outdoors that there really is something for all children.

 Here are 5 outdoor learning activities for children which take into account the differences in children’s personalities.

1: Scavenger Hunt – The great thing about scavenger hunts is that they can be undertaken by one child or as many as you need to include.

Scavenger hunts work in an urban or rural setting – be creative with the things the participants need to find though! Here are a few ideas.

City scavenger hunt –

• A selfie in the city’s tallest building
• A building with a flag
• A logo which includes a flower or a tree
• A pink wrapper
• A bag from a designer store
• Rural scavenger hunt –
• A stone with a hole
• A nut
• A pinecone
• 5 different coloured leaves

2 – Fossil hunting – Fossil hunting is a fascinating and absorbing hobby and it’s one most children can enjoy. Do some research into your local area and see if there are any good hunting grounds nearby.

The best locations are beaches and streams. Be careful and ensure you wear appropriate footwear!

3 – Organise an outdoor charity event - This can be a fun for children who like sports. With your help, let them choose a charity for which to raise funds and then come up with an idea for a sporting event.

Some ideas include –

• Kids against parents soccer game
• Teachers against kids soccer
• Iron man and Iron woman event
• Relay races
• Field sports
• Funds are raised via entry donations and raffles. Help your child to collect and donate the funds. You could even have your own soccer jerseys for the event. 

4 – Environmental volunteering - A great idea for children with environmental concerns. Look for some local organisations which do litter picking events, tree and flower planting or habitat building for insects.

There are many such organisations across the UK and some hold regular events which need as many volunteers as they can get.

5 – Local National Trust events - There are many National Trust properties across the UK. Some have extensive calendars of affordable or free outdoor activities for children. These can include performances, arts and crafts and simple explorations. National Trust properties such as castles and manor houses generally open their extensive gardens to the public for free.

And finally, don’t forget the many outdoor learning opportunities offered by school! This independent school in Middlesex offers students many sporting clubs and other extracurricular activities based on outdoor fun.

K Elizabeth xoxox

*Collaborative Post