Our top 10 activity ideas that support physical development outcomes in the EYFS.
Get some inspiration to help increase physical activity in your outdoor setting with this collection of activity ideas and versatile resources.
Outdoor active play provides endless opportunities for running, jumping, hopping, dancing, climbing & crawling all of which develop strengthen balance, coordination & negotiating space.
The accompanying 'find out more' links go to indepth pages exploring the theory and practice of different approaches, and the evidence for their benefits.
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Consider the environmental impact of preparing, carrying out & completing this activity. Could this impact be reduced? Specific considerations for this activity could include:
Follow your usual operating procedures and carry out appropriate risk benefit assessments.
Some considerations particular to this activity include:
Loose parts play (crates, tyres, planks, and movable materials) encourages children to:
When structured effectively, it becomes a powerful tool for increasing daily activity levels.
Loose parts
As well as being a lot of fun, loose parts resources are open-ended with many play possibilities for all ages from early years, primary through to adults. They are used to explore, question and experience, providing children with the resources required to follow their own interests in playful, innovative and creative ways.
Read More about Loose parts
Den building is fantastic for developing gross motor skills such as:
Physical Play Benefits of Den Building
Den building and den play supports children's physical development in so many different ways!
Read More about Physical Play Benefits of Den Building
The great thing about obstacle courses is that children can create their own!
Creating their own obstacle courses allows children to explore risk; engaging in "risky play" helps children understand their boundaries and develop a sense of power and independence.
Manoeuvring obstacle courses made from loose parts promote balance, coordination and physical strength.
Climbing over objects and stiles and crawling through tunnels and crawling under lead children on journeys to different spaces.
Read about the benefits here.
Tunnels
Active Boundaries: children in the Early Years (and of all ages) have an endless fascination with exploring boundaries; given the opportunity they will actively cross over, under or through them.
Traversing through a tunnel offers a holistic and sensory-rich experience, as well as engaging various muscle sets as children bend and crawl. The senses come alive - feeling changes in texture, altered light, echoey or muffled sounds, smells and the airflow different from the open space.
Tunnels can provide a mysterious journey, entering from one end and emerging somewhere new can create a portal for the imagination.
Read More about Tunnels
There's something instinctive about a child and a puddle and the research backs up what children already know. Puddle jumping is far more than messy fun.
Dance provides an ideal platform for enhancing gross motor skills through rhythmic movements, footwork and body control. Mastering balance, spatial awareness, flexibility and muscle strength becomes achievable through repetitive practice.
Just play some music outdoors and see what happens.
It's even more fun to shadow dance! Next time the sun is out....
A scavenger hunt creates the perfect 'hook' for keeping children engaged in a walk. It is a versitile activity that can be tailored for different developmental levels.Hunting for natures treasures and the motivationof finding the nest object keeps them moving and excited.
When children hunt in pairs or small groups they negotiate, communicate, and physically cooperate; running together, lifting logs, pointing things out - in ways that structured PE rarely produces.
Tree climbing is a brilliant way to support children’s physical development while they play. As they pull themselves up, balance on branches, and navigate different heights, they naturally build strength, coordination, and flexibility. It also helps improve balance, grip strength, and spatial awareness, all while boosting stamina through active, energetic play. Best of all, it feels like an adventure - so children stay engaged while developing essential physical skills.
Disclaimer: Muddy Faces cannot take any responsibility for accidents or damage that occurs as a result of following this activity.You are responsible for making sure the activity is conducted safely.
