Looking for outdoor learning activities that spark curiosity, creativity, and learning in young children? Whether you’re a parent or an early childhood educator, outdoor play is one of the best ways to encourage active exploration, build confidence, and develop lifelong skills.
At Busy Bees Australia, we believe that high-quality early childhood education starts with meaningful, hands-on experiences. That’s why we’re passionate about supporting families and educators with practical ideas that connect children to nature, inspire discovery, and align with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
These five fun outdoor activities are easy to set up at home, in your backyard, or at your early learning centre. Each one supports key learning outcomes and helps children develop a sense of belonging, being, and becoming—the foundations of a strong early learning journey.
5 Fun Outdoor Activities for Early Learners
1️⃣ Nature Scavenger Hunt
EYLF Link: Being & Belonging
Create a simple checklist of natural items for children to find: a smooth rock, a feather, something green, something round. Head outdoors and encourage kids to explore, observe, and describe what they find.
📝 Skills developed: Vocabulary, observation, problem-solving, sensory awareness.
2️⃣ Plant a Seed Together
EYLF Link: Becoming
Planting a seed is a wonderful way to teach children about growth, responsibility, and the magic of nature. Choose fast-growing plants like sunflowers, beans, or herbs, and involve kids in daily care routines.
📝 Skills developed: Science knowledge, patience, fine motor skills, life cycles.
3️⃣ Build a Bug Hotel
EYLF Link: Belonging & Being
Using natural materials like sticks, leaves, and pinecones, create a simple shelter for insects in your garden or playground. This activity sparks conversations about biodiversity and the important role bugs play in the environment.
📝 Skills developed: Ecosystem understanding, empathy, creativity, problem-solving.
4️⃣ Create Nature Art
EYLF Link: Being & Becoming
Collect leaves, flowers, and twigs to create beautiful nature collages or mandalas. This hands-on, sensory activity encourages creativity and an appreciation for natural beauty.
📝 Skills developed: Creativity, pattern recognition, sensory exploration, self-expression.
5️⃣ Litter Patrol Walk
EYLF Link: Belonging & Responsibility
Take a walk and collect any litter you see (using gloves or tongs). It’s a simple yet powerful way to teach children about caring for their community and looking after the environment.
📝 Skills developed: Social responsibility, teamwork, environmental awareness.
🌿 Why Outdoor Learning Matters
These outdoor learning activities aren’t just fun—they’re essential for developing a range of skills aligned with the early childhood curriculum. Whether at home or in a childcare setting, outdoor learning fosters:
✅ Curiosity and creativity
✅ Physical confidence and gross motor skills
✅ Communication and collaboration
✅ A sense of belonging and connection to the world
At Busy Bees Australia, we believe in nurturing every child’s potential through high-quality early learning programs. By offering engaging, hands-on experiences, we help children build the confidence and curiosity they need to thrive.
🌱Let's Grow Together
Looking for more outdoor learning activities or ideas for your early learning program? Stay connected with Busy Bees Australia—we’re here to support families and educators in creating rich learning experiences that spark wonder and joy in every child.
