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June 26, 2026

Outdoor Play Activities to Try This Summer

Megan Cavanaugh, Learning and Development Manager

Outdoor play is incredibly beneficial all year long, with each season offering unique opportunities for exploration and learning. Summer offers some of the most engaging and joyful opportunities for young children to learn through play. From splashing in water to observing insects and playing active games, children can explore the world around them in ways that support physical development, creativity, social growth, and a deeper connection to nature.

Outdoor Learning in Action

Looking for simple ways to encourage outdoor play this summer? Try one of the following activities that promote movement, exploration, and hands-on learning while making the most of the season.

1. Water Table Exploration

While every outdoor activity offers valuable learning opportunities, water play is a summertime favorite. There’s something magical about watching children light up as they splash, pour, and explore. Beneath the excitement, they’re developing important skills through hands-on discovery. Water play naturally introduces concepts like cause and effect, measurement, and scientific exploration, all while helping children stay cool on a warm summer day. Here is one way to try it:

Suggested Materials:

  • Elevated water bin filled with water
  • Cups, funnels, scoops, and measuring containers
  • Floating toys or natural loose parts (optional: leaves, shells, plastic animals)

How to Do It:

  1. Invite children to gather around the water table and explore the materials freely.
  2. Encourage pouring, scooping, filling, and transferring water between containers.
  3. Ask insightful questions such as:
    • “What happens when you pour water through the funnel?”
    • “Which objects float or sink?”
    • “How many scoops does it take to fill the container?”
  4. Encourage collaboration as children share tools and compare discoveries.

What Children Learn:

  • Sensory exploration
  • Cause and effect understanding
  • Early math skills (volume, comparison, measurement)
  • Hand-eye coordination
  • Cooperative play and communication
2. Nature Color Hunt

Nature is full of vibrant colors waiting to be discovered. A color hunt encourages children to slow down, observe their surroundings, and notice details they might otherwise overlook. As children search their outdoor environment for matching colors in flowers, leaves, rocks, and other natural materials, they strengthen observation skills and expand their vocabulary. Any outdoor environment will do – it could be as simple as looking at a small garden or more adventurous while exploring a nature trail. Along the way, children also develop a deeper appreciation for the beauty and diversity of the natural world. Here is a simple nature-based activity to try:

Suggested Materials:

  • Color cards or colored paper squares
  • Clipboard and crayons to track findings
  • Collection basket or tray

How to Do It:

  1. Display the color cards and invite children to identify each color before beginning the hunt.
  2. Invite children to search the outdoor environment for objects that match each color.
  3. Encourage children to point out, collect (if appropriate), or describe what they find. If children collect an object, invite them to match it to the corresponding color card.
  4. Gather and discuss the colors and objects discovered.

What Children Learn:

  • Color recognition
  • Observation skills
  • Vocabulary development
  • Appreciation for nature
3. Gross Motor Obstacle Course

Active outdoor play provides children with valuable opportunities to build strength, coordination, and confidence. An obstacle course transforms movement into an exciting challenge as children jump, balance, crawl, and navigate their way through a series of activities. Along the way, they practice problem-solving, perseverance, and body awareness while having fun and staying active. Here is an easy obstacle course to set up:

Suggested Materials:

  • Playground equipment
  • Cones, hoops, steppingstones, a tunnel
  • Sidewalk chalk
  • Trees, sticks, rocks
  • Pillows, cushions, or outdoor furniture

How to Do It:

  1. Create a simple obstacle course using available outdoor materials.
  2. Include opportunities for children to jump, balance, crawl, walk around objects, or follow a path.
  3. Demonstrate each challenge and review safety expectations.
  4. Encourage children to complete the course at their own pace and celebrate their efforts.

What Children Learn:

  • Gross motor development
  • Balance and coordination
  • Body awareness
  • Following directions
  • Confidence building
  • Problem-solving skills
Health and Safety Reminders

Outdoor play is most beneficial when children can explore safely and comfortably. To support healthy summer play, keep these reminders in mind:

  • Encourage frequent water breaks to prevent dehydration.
  • Apply sunscreen according to manufacturer’s recommendations and family preferences.
  • Provide shaded areas for rest and cooling down.
  • Dress children in lightweight, weather-appropriate clothing.
  • Monitor children for signs of overheating, such as excessive sweating, fatigue, dizziness, headache, or irritability.

By balancing active play with hydration, sun protection, and time to rest, children can safely enjoy all the benefits of summertime outdoor experiences.

Bringing It All Together

Summer offers endless opportunities for children to learn, explore, and grow through play. Whether they are exploring nature, splashing in water, or tackling an obstacle course, outdoor experiences help children grow while creating meaningful memories.

By making time for outdoor play and following simple summer safety practices, families and educators can create enriching experiences that support children’s development, curiosity, and love for learning all summer long.