Outdoor Play Activities

Here are a few ideas of things to do outside on the

Word playground 

Bean Bag Toss

  • Socks
  • Dry beans
  • 10 Empty Shoe boxes

Have the children fill the socks with the dry beans. Secure a knot in the top of the sock and roll the top down around the knot in the sock. Have the children cover the shoe box with any color paper and decorate. Place the boxes around the outside area and create a relay with the bean bag toss as the children fill the shoe box they move to the next box until they have completed the course.

Hiding Game

Hide multiple items outside and give the children a card with the items on it and have the children match the items to the card as they locate the items. You can change the items weekly.

Simon Says

Play Simon Says using various sounds and movements of animals. Moo like a cow, jump like a kangaroo, walk like an elephant, crawl like spider. Be creative.

Why is it important for children to have planned activities when playing outside? One reason it to reduce accidents and for children to have the opportunity to participate in other activities outside.

Gardening

Plant a flower, herb, or vegetable garden on the playground have the children maintain the garden. They can eat the vegetables and herbs in cooking projects. The flowers can be used for art projects and room decorations. The children will learn how to tend and cultivate gardens. These are skills that can be used at home with their parents.

Use planter boxes if you do not have a large area for the garden. If you use planter boxes each classroom could plant a different plant to add variety.

Have the children learn about the plants and identify the various varieties    

Sidewalk Chalk activities

Have the children draw their own hopscotch

Trace the children on the sidewalk and let the children color in their silhouette

Draw with the chalk on the building and if it does not rain have the children use sponges and large paint brushes to remove the chalk from the building the next day. If you are worried that the children will not want to remove their art work have another classroom remove the chalk when they are outside.

Art activities

Have an outside easel for drawing

Take an easel outside for the children

Attach paper to the wall or door for drawing and painting

Other activities

Built bird houses, bird feeders, and musical activities