An outdoor classroom is a designated learning space outside traditional indoor settings where young children engage in hands-on, nature-based activities. These spaces—found in parks, gardens, playgrounds, or farmlands—create immersive learning experiences that harness the unique benefits of outdoor environments for child development.
Outdoor classrooms provide children with opportunities for socialization, physical activity, and creativity that indoor settings can't replicate. Educators increasingly recognize outdoor play's importance and incorporate these spaces into their programs to promote holistic development in young learners.
If you're considering creating an outdoor classroom or enhancing your current program, this guide provides essential information to help you get started.
Free Guide to Studying the Natural World
Enhance outdoor learning and exploration of the natural world at your childcare program with this free guide.
What is an outdoor classroom?
Outdoor classrooms are essential because they address multiple developmental domains simultaneously. According to research on outdoor learning environments, children who regularly engage in outdoor education demonstrate improvements across physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development areas.
These spaces allow children to explore and discover their surroundings naturally, which enhances creativity and imagination during play. When children interact with peers outdoors, they develop stronger social skills and teamwork abilities. The natural environment also provides sensory-rich experiences that stimulate brain development and support learning in ways traditional classrooms cannot match.
Benefits of outdoor learning for young children
Children who participate in outdoor learning experiences gain numerous developmental advantages that support their growth and well-being.
Physical development benefits
Increased physical activity levels: Children who spend more time outdoors are more physically active than those who stay indoors. They're also less likely to become obese or develop chronic health conditions like Type 2 Diabetes.
Improved gross and fine motor skills: Playing outdoors improves children's gross motor skills, such as running, jumping, and climbing. They also refine fine motor skills by picking up small objects or manipulating playground equipment.
Outdoor learning is gaining popularity in early childhood education for a good reason. From improved social skills to enhanced brain development, children reap many benefits from spending time in nature.
Social and emotional benefits
Better social skills and cooperation: Outdoor play gives children opportunities to interact with other children and adults. This develops their social skills, such as communication, turn-taking, and sharing. They also learn to cooperate with others to achieve common goals.
Improved mental well-being: Spending time outdoors reduces stress and anxiety and increases feelings of happiness, relaxation, and calm. Being in nature also increases self-esteem and self-confidence. When children feel good about themselves, they're more likely to cope better with challenging situations and reach their full potential.
Increased risk-taking and resilience: Children need opportunities to take risks and experience failure in safe, supportive environments. Outdoor settings inherently come with more variables outside children's control, allowing them to explore more widely, make mistakes, and learn from them. Risk-taking develops essential life skills such as resilience, adaptability, and resourcefulness. It also encourages children to be curious, exploratory, and think outside the box.
Cognitive development benefits
Greater creativity: Engaging in imaginative play, such as make-believe games, boosts children's creativity. Children who play outdoors are likely to score higher on tests that focus on creative thinking than those who stay indoors.
Enhanced problem-solving skills: Outdoor play allows children to solve problems and figure things out independently. For example, they may need to determine how to use playground equipment or understand game rules. The critical thinking and problem-solving skills children develop through outdoor play help them succeed in school and later in life.
Deeper understanding of the natural world: Spending time in nature helps children learn to appreciate and respect the environment. When children discover new plants and animals, learn about changing seasons, or explore different habitats, they develop greater understanding of the world around them.
Engaged learning: When children explore, use their imaginations, and are active in new environments outside their typical classrooms, they tend to be more engaged and motivated to learn new skills. Outdoor play stimulates learning and builds excitement around different activities.
How do you create an effective outdoor classroom?
Creating an outdoor classroom requires thoughtful planning based on your children's needs and your available space. Before you start planning your outdoor classroom, ask yourself these essential questions:
- What is the age range of the children in your care?
- What are their interests and abilities?
- What type of activities do you want to include?
- What is the size and layout of the outdoor space?
- What type of equipment and resources do you need?
Children learn best through play. The outdoor environment provides endless opportunities for creative and imaginative play when designed with intention.
Outdoor classroom ideas and learning areas
Forest school
Based on the Scandinavian concept of "friluftsliv," meaning "free air life," forest schools focus on living life with an appreciation for nature. These schools help children develop strong connections with the natural world and understand how they depend on it. They also provide opportunities for children to play and learn in natural environments while developing confidence, self-esteem, and a love of nature.
To create a forest school, you need access to a wooded area or park where children can freely explore. The area should have a variety of plants and trees, as well as open spaces for running and playing. Include safety measures such as boundary markers or flags, and ensure the environment is clean and safe.
Children can explore, play games, build shelters, go on scavenger hunts, do art projects with natural materials, and more in a forest school setting.
Beach school
Beach schools offer unique learning environments, with the sea, sand, and waves providing a backdrop for exploring, investigating, and playing.
To create a beach school, you'll need:
- A stretch of beach that's safe for children to play in
- Shade tents or umbrellas
- Sunscreen and hats
- Beach toys such as buckets, spades, and fishing nets
- Waterproof bags for storage
Beach schools help children develop understanding of the natural world and respect for the environment.
Farm-based classroom
A farm-based classroom helps children appreciate where their food comes from and understand the importance of caring for animals and crops. Children can learn about different farm animals, how they're cared for, and what they eat. They can also help feed animals, collect eggs, and harvest fruits and vegetables.
Mud kitchen
A mud kitchen is an outdoor kitchen area filled with natural and recycled materials that can be used for creative play. Children can make their own "recipes" using natural materials such as leaves, sticks, and mud. Mud kitchens help children develop fine motor skills and use their imaginations.
Water play area
A water play area can be a great sensory learning environment for children. It can be as simple as a basin filled with water, or you could include a water pump, sprinklers, and other water toys.
Sandpit
A sandpit allows children to practice fine motor skills by digging, scooping, pouring, and raking sand. They can also learn about measurement, volume, and weight as they fill and empty buckets of sand.
Sensory garden
A sensory garden stimulates the senses. It might include features such as different textures, scents, and sounds. For sounds, choose plants that make noise when the wind blows, such as ornamental grasses or bamboo. For scents, you could include herbs, flowers, and citrus fruits.
Music garden
Listening to and making music benefits children's development. To build a music garden classroom, bring musical instruments such as drums, shakers, and bells outside for children to use and encourage them to experiment with different sounds they can make.
Outdoor art area
Preschoolers love to express their creativity, and an outdoor art area is a perfect place for it. Set up a table and chairs with supplies like crayons, markers, paint, and paper. Add some nature-inspired elements like sticks, leaves, and flowers for collages.
Have children sit at the table and create their masterpieces. When they're finished, hang their artwork up to dry.
Loose parts area
Loose parts are materials that can be moved, manipulated, and combined in different ways. They include items like balls, blocks, clothes, cardboard boxes, and egg cartons.
Set up a designated area with loose parts. Ask children to build towers, houses, or whatever else they can imagine. Let them be creative and have fun.
Nature scavenger hunt
Make a list of items for children to find in an outdoor scavenger hunt, such as a leaf, a flower, a rock, and a stick. Add in some challenges, like finding something red or finding something that smells nice.
Hide the items outside and let children go on a hunt. They can mark off items as they find them. This activity helps develop observational skills and encourages children to explore their surroundings.
Obstacle course
Create a course with different obstacles for children to overcome. This includes balance beams, crawling through tunnels, jumping over hurdles, and walking along a line. Alternatively, set up an outdoor play area with different climbing and crawling equipment. An obstacle course can help children develop gross motor skills and coordination, and it can also foster a sense of achievement.
What furniture and equipment do you need for an outdoor classroom?
When designing your outdoor classroom, ensure the furniture creates a comfortable and inviting space for children to learn and play. When choosing outdoor classroom furniture, consider the age and abilities of your children. For example, preschoolers need lightweight and easy-to-move furniture. Above all else, the furniture should be safe, durable, and easy to clean.
Arrange furniture in ways that encourage collaboration and communication. For example, arrange tables and chairs in a circle. Provide various engaging outdoor activities and materials, so everyone finds something they enjoy.
Essential outdoor classroom furniture
Picnic tables
When choosing picnic tables, consider the height of the table and the size of the seats. Group picnic tables together to create large communal spaces for art activities and eating. Arrange them in a circle or square to encourage social interaction and communication.
You can also use picnic tables as individual desks for children to do their work. If you choose this option, have enough storage space for books and other materials such as crayons.
Chairs
Have a variety of chairs available for children of different ages and abilities:
- Sturdy, adult-sized chairs for supervision and storytime
- Bucket chairs or bean bag chairs for cozy reading spaces
- Low-to-the-ground chairs or mats for younger children
- Stools or standing desks for active learners
Arrange chairs in a circle for group activities or in rows for individual work.
Sofas
Sofas provide comfortable places for children to read, relax, and take breaks. Create small groups or reading nooks by arranging two or three sofas together.
Tables
When choosing tables for your outdoor classroom, consider the activities that will take place:
- Large, rectangular tables for arts and crafts projects or group work
- Round tables for social activities and games
- Small, individual tables for reading and writing
Place tables together in groups or leave them spread out around the space.
Benches
Benches are versatile pieces of outdoor furniture. They can be used for seating, storage, or work surfaces.
Place benches along the perimeter of the space for individual or group work. Or use them to create social areas for children to interact or relax.
Storage bins
Outdoor classrooms can get messy. Have plenty of storage bins for materials, art supplies, books, and toys. Label the bins so children know where everything goes.
Rugs
Rugs can help define the space and add color and pattern. Use rugs to create different areas in your outdoor classroom. For example, you can place a rug under the picnic table for art time or in the reading nook for storytime.
Canopies
Outdoor canopies create outdoor classroom spaces that are comfortable and protected from the elements. They can provide shade on hot days or create dry, protected spaces in case of inclement weather. Canopies also create private, intimate spaces for small group work or one-on-one instruction.
Place the canopy in an open area and make sure there's enough space for all children to move around freely and access all materials.
Ottomans
Ottomans are versatile pieces of furniture that can be used for seating, storage, or as a table.
Arrange ottomans in a circle for group activities or in rows for individual work. Use them to create quiet areas for children to relax or use them as a table for arts and crafts.
Indoor vs. outdoor learning activities: a comparison
|
Activity type |
Best for indoor learning |
Best for outdoor learning |
|---|---|---|
|
Creative arts |
Painting, drawing, crafting, and music lessons |
Nature-inspired art (leaf rubbings, outdoor murals) |
|
Science experiments |
Controlled experiments (chemistry, physics, etc.) |
Hands-on experiments like soil sampling or plant studies |
|
Physical activities |
Yoga, dance, and simple movement games |
Team sports, obstacle courses, and nature walks |
|
Storytelling and reading |
Reading sessions, storytelling, and dramatic play |
Outdoor story circles or nature-inspired writing prompts |
Hybrid classroom approaches
For programs with limited outdoor access, a hybrid approach can combine the best of both worlds. Consider these ideas:
- Portable learning kits: Provide students with tools for outdoor exploration, such as magnifying glasses or nature journals, which can be used during short outdoor breaks.
- Virtual nature experiences: Bring the outdoors in with virtual field trips or videos that explore ecosystems, wildlife, and nature-inspired topics.
- Indoor nature simulations: Set up a small indoor garden or use props like plants, rocks, and sand to simulate outdoor learning experiences.
- Flexible scheduling: Create a mix of indoor and outdoor days to balance activities based on weather and available space.
This adaptive approach ensures meaningful learning experiences, no matter the setting.
How can you manage outdoor classroom activities effectively?
Managing outdoor classroom activities requires organization and the right tools to track schedules, communicate with families, and document children's learning experiences.
Manage your preschool classroom (whether indoor or outdoor) with brightwheel's classroom management feature. Track student attendance from the brightwheel app and develop comprehensive schedules to manage class capacities and ratios. Save time on lesson planning by using existing lesson plan templates and easily share classroom highlights with families.
Frequently asked questions about outdoor classrooms
What age groups benefit most from outdoor classrooms?
All age groups benefit from outdoor classrooms, from infants to elementary-aged children. Outdoor learning spaces can be adapted to suit different developmental stages. Infants and toddlers benefit from sensory exploration and gross motor development, while preschoolers and kindergarteners gain from structured nature activities, creative play, and social interaction opportunities.
How do you maintain safety in an outdoor classroom?
Maintaining safety in outdoor classrooms requires regular inspections of equipment and spaces, clear boundaries, adequate supervision, and weather-appropriate planning. Conduct daily safety checks for hazards like broken equipment, poisonous plants, or unsafe terrain. Establish clear rules about boundaries and safe behavior. Ensure appropriate adult-to-child ratios and train staff in outdoor safety protocols. Always have first aid supplies accessible and create backup plans for inclement weather.
What's the best way to introduce outdoor learning to families who are unfamiliar with it?
Start by sharing research-backed benefits of outdoor learning with families through newsletters, parent meetings, or information sessions. Show photos and videos of children engaged in outdoor activities to help families visualize the experience. Address common concerns about safety, weather, and learning outcomes dumirectly. Invite families to participate in outdoor classroom days so they can observe firsthand how their children learn and grow in these environments.
How much space do you need for an outdoor classroom?
The space needed for an outdoor classroom depends on the number of children and types of activities planned. Even small spaces can be transformed into effective learning environments. A basic outdoor classroom can function in a space as small as 500 square feet for a small group of children, while larger programs with more children benefit from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet or more. Focus on creating distinct learning zones within your available space rather than worrying about total square footage.
Can outdoor classrooms be used year-round?
Yes, outdoor classrooms can be used year-round with proper planning and preparation. Different seasons offer unique learning opportunities—spring brings new plant growth, summer allows for water play, fall showcases changing leaves, and winter introduces snow exploration. Ensure children dress appropriately for weather conditions, have sheltered areas for extreme weather, and adjust activity types based on temperature and precipitation. Many educators find that regular outdoor time in all seasons helps children develop resilience and appreciation for nature's cycles.
Final thoughts
Outdoor classrooms provide a unique and beneficial learning experience for young children. Exploring and learning outside of a traditional classroom setting improves children’s social and physical skills and helps them develop a greater appreciation for and connection with nature.
Educators can enhance their teaching methods by taking advantage of their unique outdoor environments and incorporating various activities outside whenever possible.
