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Autumn Outdoor Play Ideas for Children

Autumn Outdoor Play Ideas for Children

When we think of outdoor play, it’s easy to associate it with the warm, sunny days of spring and summer. However, some of the most enjoyable and enriching outdoor experiences can be had during the crisp, colourful days of autumn. As the weather cools and the leaves begin to fall, don’t be too quick to keep children indoors. The changing season offers a wealth of natural resources that can turn outdoor play into an exciting, sensory-rich adventure.

The Benefits of an Outdoor Play Canopy

Having a play canopy installed can enhance the outdoor experience, providing shelter from the rain while still allowing children to enjoy the fresh air and explore the natural world around them. With a school canopy, outdoor play becomes a year-round activity, where children can stay dry and comfortable as they engage with the environment.

Using Natural Resources for Play and Learning

Autumn brings an abundance of natural materials that can be used for creative play and learning activities. Fallen leaves, acorns, pinecones, and other natural objects can inspire endless fun and creativity. Plus, they’re free and readily available, making them perfect for budget-friendly play.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Treasure Hunts: Piles of fallen leaves are perfect for hiding “treasures.” Organising a treasure hunt not only gets children moving but also encourages teamwork and problem-solving if you include clues.

Play Acting & Fancy Dress: Leaves and flowers can be used to make crowns, hair garlands, and other costume pieces. Children can incorporate these into imaginative play, creating characters and stories in their outdoor environment.

Autumn Detectives: Create worksheets with pictures of different leaves, acorns, and other natural items. Children can explore the outdoors, counting and tallying how many of each item they find. This activity fosters an interest in nature while also practicing counting skills.

Stamp Painting: Leaves and pinecones make excellent tools for stamp painting, creating unique and interesting art patterns. It’s a simple, mess-free way to engage children in creative expression, without the hassle of cleaning brushes afterwards.

Fairy Clothing: Encourage children to design fairy clothing using leaves, grasses, and other natural materials. They can then glue their creations onto wooden pegs to make little fairy dolls, sparking their imagination and creativity.

Final Thoughts: Make the Most of Autumn Play

Autumn is a fantastic time for outdoor play, offering opportunities for children to explore, create, and learn in a natural setting. Just don’t forget their wellington boots!

For more ideas on how to maximise the use of your outdoor canopy and engage children in outdoor learning, download our “How to… Get the Most out of your Canopy” guide. It’s packed with additional activities and handy worksheets for counting leaves, acorns, and more!

Able Canopies Ltd. design, manufacture and install canopies and shade structures
at schools, nurseries and educational settings to enable year-round
Free Flow Outdoor Play and Outdoor Learning.
For more information please contact us

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