With the arrival of longer days and warmer weather, summer presents the perfect opportunity to take learning beyond the classroom. Outdoor learning not only engages children physically but also nurtures curiosity, teamwork, and a deeper connection with the environment. Here are some inspiring ideas for outdoor learning activities to make the most of the summer months, inspired by the teachings of this independent school in Surrey.
Nature Scavenger Hunts
A nature scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to encourage children to observe their surroundings more closely. Create a list of items for pupils to find – such as a feather, a smooth stone, or a leaf with jagged edges – and let them explore the school grounds or a nearby park. This activity helps build observation skills, introduces scientific vocabulary, and fosters a love for nature.
Outdoor Maths Challenges
Turn your outdoor space into a living classroom for maths. Use chalk to draw number lines or grids on playground surfaces, or create shape hunts where pupils identify geometric patterns in the natural world. Measuring trees, calculating the perimeter of the field, or estimating the height of a building using shadows are all fun and practical ways to bring numeracy to life outside.
Creative Writing in the Wild
Fresh air and open spaces can do wonders for creativity. Take pupils outside with notebooks or tablets and ask them to write a story, poem or descriptive paragraph inspired by their surroundings. Listening to birdsong, feeling the grass underfoot, or watching clouds pass can help children engage all their senses, enhancing their descriptive writing and imaginative thinking.
Science Experiments Under the Sun
Many science investigations are perfectly suited to the outdoors. From testing which materials make the best sun shades to observing insect behaviour or exploring plant growth, summer weather allows for hands-on experiments that can be messy and engaging without the constraints of an indoor classroom. Don’t forget the suncream and hats!
Team-Building Games and PE with a Twist
Summer is also ideal for collaborative activities that build social skills and resilience. Organise outdoor obstacle courses, relay races, or problem-solving games like building a shelter or crossing an imaginary river using only certain tools. These activities develop communication, leadership and physical coordination while also offering a fun break from routine.
Outdoor Art and Natural Craft
Take your art lessons outside and let nature serve as both inspiration and medium. Pupils can create land art using leaves, stones and sticks, or try sketching trees and wildlife. Temporary sculptures or environmental installations help children express creativity while also thinking about sustainability and impermanence in art.
The summer months offer a wealth of opportunities for enriching learning experiences that go far beyond textbooks. By embracing the outdoors, schools can tap into a child’s natural enthusiasm and energy, turning ordinary lessons into memorable adventures. Whether you’re building bug hotels, calculating leaf symmetry, or writing poetry beneath a tree, outdoor learning helps pupils thrive academically, socially and emotionally.