Autumn Adventures: Inspiring Outdoor Play in Early Years Education
With autumn here, the days are shorter, the air is cooler, and it can be tough to encourage outdoor play. As a nursery manager, you may feel the challenge of motivating your team to keep outdoor activities going when it’s chilly outside. Practitioners may be less keen to stand in the cold, and some children might be hesitant to play outdoors in cooler weather. But outdoor play is incredibly valuable. Exploring the natural environment offers so many benefits; each time children step outside, they can experience something new and exciting.
In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of outdoor play in early years education, especially as the autumn weather settles in. I’ll share practical tips and insights on how to keep children excited about playing outside, and how to inspire your team to embrace outdoor activities—even on the coldest days. Plus, I’ll share some of my own experiences from my time as a nursery practitioner, including ways to overcome common challenges and help parents see the value of outdoor play.
Why outdoor play is important in early years education
Did you know that nearly two-thirds (63%) of parents are less likely to play outside with their children as the weather gets colder? This makes it even more important for children to have access to outdoor play in a nursery or childcare setting. Time spent outdoors has a huge impact on children’s development and wellbeing, and cooler days shouldn’t put a stop to these experiences. Playing outside all year round gives children the chance to explore new sights, sounds, and textures that change with the seasons, building curiosity and confidence.
Outdoor play isn’t just fun for children—it’s also an important part of learning. Being outside helps children build physical skills as they run, jump, and climb. It also encourages social skills, as they interact with friends and learn to share space and play safely together. Plus, it’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy fresh air and engage with nature, which has proven benefits for mental wellbeing in children and adults alike.
For early years settings, keeping outdoor play a regular part of each day—no matter the season—ensures children get a balanced mix of indoor and outdoor experiences. When children spend time outside, they build resilience, strengthen their immune systems, and learn to embrace the world around them.
Overcoming resistance to outdoor play
I know firsthand the motivation it takes to step outside on those cold, wet, and windy days. As a practitioner, layering up with waterproofs, thermals, and wellies helped me embrace my setting’s outdoor play policy, even on the toughest days. While I often felt reluctant at first, I was always amazed by how outdoor play lifted the children’s spirits and made the day fly by. Outdoor time allows children to release energy, learn from nature, and enjoy a change of scenery that benefits everyone’s mood and wellbeing. Staying indoors all day never felt good for me, my team, or the children.
Encouraging nursery practitioners to embrace outdoor play, especially in the colder months, can make all the difference in early years settings. If you are a nursery owner or manager, it’s important to lead by example and inspire a love for outdoor play by helping practitioners see it as an exciting, active part of their day—not just a task. By showing practitioners how to get involved in playful, engaging ways, outdoor time becomes a fun, meaningful experience for both children and adults. Here are some ideas to promote a positive outdoor culture and keep everyone moving, interacting, and enjoying the fresh air.
Get involved and lead by example:
One way to spark enthusiasm is to encourage practitioners to join in and play alongside the children. Instead of sitting and standing on the sidelines getting chilly, they can get actively involved by leading nature-based games, organising sensory activities, or setting up themed “explorer” hunts that everyone can enjoy together. For example, practitioners can create an autumn scavenger hunt, guiding children in looking for colourful leaves, acorns, or pine cones. By making it a shared adventure, practitioners not only keep warm by moving around but also help children develop a sense of curiosity about nature.
Take story time outside:
Storybooks can be a fantastic way to spark creativity and enthusiasm for outdoor play. Reading books like We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, There’s a Shark in the Park, What the Ladybird Heard, or The Gruffalo can open up endless possibilities for outdoor adventures. For example, after reading We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, children and practitioners can head outside to search for animal tracks, gather natural “foraging” items, stomp through mud and puddles, or even pretend to be characters from the story. This approach helps bring stories to life and makes outdoor play a natural extension of classroom learning, encouraging children to explore their surroundings with a sense of wonder and excitement.
Get creative outdoors:
Encouraging practitioners to bring art and sensory activities outdoors can also make outdoor time more inviting. Painting with natural brushes like leaves and sticks, building shelters with branches, or creating outdoor “art galleries” with collected treasures are engaging ways to get everyone involved. With some inspiration, guidance, and the freedom to be playful, nursery teams can bring warmth and enthusiasm to outdoor play—no matter the weather.
Getting parents on board with outdoor play
One thing that stands out from my years as a nursery practitioner is how often parents resisted outdoor play once the weather turned chilly. Many were happy for their children to play outside in the warmer months, but as soon as the temperature dropped, concerns about catching a cold or their child’s dislike for outdoor play became common.
To help parents understand the benefits of outdoor play, try sharing real examples of the joy, engagement, and learning which take place during outdoor play. Using nursery software tools like iConnect and ParentZone is a fantastic way to bring these experiences to life. Photos, videos, and updates let parents see for themselves the positive impact outdoor play has on their child’s development and wellbeing. Plus, these tools provide a way to improve communication with parents and remind them about the importance of sending in extra clothing, layers, wellies, and puddle suits so their child is comfortable and ready for outdoor exploration.
Building a strong parent partnership is also key. By working together, we can support children’s development in both nursery and home settings. Sharing simple activity ideas that parents can try outdoors with their children helps them experience the benefits firsthand – linking it to their child’s developmental next steps. Inviting parents to share their own photos, videos, or observations through ParentZone can strengthen this partnership, allowing you to support and celebrate their efforts while strengthening the connection between nursery and home.
Safety first
Of course, with shorter, darker days, it’s important to balance both indoor and outdoor activities. While outdoor play is invaluable, being mindful of safety—like monitoring the weather, checking equipment, and ensuring pathways are clear—keeps the experience safe and enjoyable. Regular risk assessments and adapting to the weather mean we can make the most of outdoor time while keeping children safe and warm.
If you’re looking for inspiration to support your team in finding their enthusiasm for outdoor play, join Jamie Victoria’s upcoming webinar. You’ll discover practical ways to boost team morale, create a positive atmosphere, and support your team’s wellbeing. Register now and bring the sparkle back to outdoor learning!
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About the Author
Content Marketing Executive at Connect Childcare