Children are natural explorers. Some may need more encouragement than others to actually get their boots on and begin to enjoy regular time outside. But if you approach it in the right way, your child can soon learn the habit of being an ‘outdoorsy type’. The benefits of spending time outside and in particular, engaging in outdoor learning, are huge. Fresh air, exercise and being close to nature are excellent for children’s health and mental well-being.

It’s true of course that some children are the ‘cosy-type’ and enjoy spending quiet time indoors. However at heart, all children love being outside. The key is ensuring that your child has the chance to engage in the activities that they most enjoy whilst they’re spending time outside.

This prep school in London believes that non-competitive, fun learning opportunities are the best way to ensure that all children feel comfortable taking part in sporting activities and this can also be applied to any outdoor learning activities.

Ideas for outdoor learning

Your child can engage in fun and educational time outdoor every single day if you want them to and at no cost. That’s the beauty of spending time outside – it’s usually free! You don’t need to have a large garden, or indeed any garden at all! Your local parks or even the street can provide ample opportunities for learning. Let’s look at some of the most accessible places in which your child can enjoy outdoor learning and benefiting from sensory experiences.

Local park

Parks and public gardens are full of natural features and open spaces. Small children will love taking part in a nature walk. Mine enjoy it more if they can do some geocaching too, they love finding little surprises. Alternatively you can collect examples of different leaves and berries and observe wildlife. Perhaps they could even draw pictures of what you find when you get back home.

Streets

The streets around you are full of architecture and history. A walk through the older parts of your town or village can be a wonderful chance to show your child how to understand more about buildings and their more interesting features. Look at public buildings such as town halls and churches, show your child where there are dates and commemorative plaques. Explain to them what the buildings are used for and how old they are. You can culminate with a visit to a local museum or library to learn more.

National Trust

The National Trust has properties all across the UK and many of them are free if you’re only visiting the grounds. These grounds are often beautiful examples of how people used to live. Statues and lavishly designed gardens make interesting talking points as do the woodlands which are sometimes attached to the properties. Call your local venues to see what free access is offered and also to ask about upcoming events.

No matter how old or young your child is, you can enjoy fresh air, nature and fun with them – and all for free! Take a ball with you and check ball games are permitted. If your child isn’t the sporty type, a nature or treasure hunt is lots of fun. Learning about the environment around them is a great way to help your child expand not only their knowledge but will also help them stay physically fit. Try some of the ideas above. You might find that you become a big fan of outdoor learning too!