Outdoor Play Through the Seasons

After what has felt like a very long, wet winter, it’s a joy to finally see a stretch of sunshine and lighter evenings. In the UK, we know how precious these warmer, drier days can be, which makes spring and summer the perfect time to encourage children outdoors as much as possible.

At Pendley Day Nursery, we make the most of every opportunity to get outside, because outdoor play isn’t just about ‘burning off energy’, it also plays a really important role in children’s development, whatever their age.

Our children can enjoy the nature and wildlife at nearby Pendley Manor and, of course, run around the football pitch pretending to be the next Harry Kane or Lucy Bronze!

Why outdoor play matters

Time spent outdoors offers so much more than a change of scenery. It gives children the freedom to move, explore and experience the world in a way that simply isn’t possible indoors.

For babies, it might be feeling the grass for the first time, watching leaves move in the breeze or listening to birdsong. For toddlers and older children, it becomes about building confidence, testing physical skills and letting their imagination lead the way.

Outdoor play can support:

• Physical development through running, climbing and balancing
• Communication and language as children describe what they see and do
• Social skills through shared play and teamwork
• Emotional wellbeing, helping children feel calmer and more settled

It’s also one of the simplest ways to gently reduce screen time, by offering something far more engaging and hands-on – particularly important given the Government’s recent guidance around limiting screen time for children aged 2-5 years to a maximum of one hour a day.

Making the most of spring

Spring is full of natural curiosity. Everything is changing, growing and coming back to life, which creates endless opportunities for learning and discovery.

Here’s some simple ideas for you to try:

• Go on a ‘signs of spring’ walk and look for flowers, buds and insects
• Let children help with planting seeds or watering plants
• Create a nature tray with leaves, petals and sticks to explore textures
• Listen for birds and talk about the different sounds you hear

These small moments often spark the biggest conversations and help children connect with the world around them.

Summer adventures (when it arrives!)

When the warmer days really settle in, outdoor play can become even more active and creative.

You don’t need anything elaborate, some of the best activities are the simplest:

• Water play with bowls, cups and jugs, or a mud kitchen
• Picnic lunches in the garden or local park
• Obstacle courses using everyday items
• Den building with blankets or natural materials
• Chalk drawing on patios or paths

The key is to follow your child’s interests and let them take the lead. We’ve always got lots of seasonal ideas on our Facebook page too.

Building outdoor time into everyday life

Outdoor play doesn’t have to mean big trips or carefully planned activities. It can be part of your everyday routine.

A short walk after nursery, time in the garden before tea, or even a quick visit to the park can all add up. What matters most is consistency and making it feel like a natural part of the day.

At Pendley Day Nursery, we see every day how much children benefit from time outdoors. Whether it’s a baby discovering new sensations or a pre-schooler creating their own adventure, these experiences help build confidence, curiosity and a love of learning that lasts well beyond the early years.

So while the sunshine is here, even if only for a little while, it’s worth making the most of it.

Remember, we are currently offering one FREE week’s childcare at the nursery - just register now for a place later in the year. Find out more here: www.pendleydaynursery.com/one-week-of-free-childcare-for-new-starters.