The following provides a list of outdoor activities for babies and toddlers that promote sensory exploration and interaction with the natural environment. It also includes linking to the EYLF and the benefits of outdoor play for babies and toddlers. 

Designing engaging outdoor learning spaces offers stimulating resources and rich play-based learning opportunities that cater to all children’s interests, capabilities, cultures, and communities. The following article provides information on Physical Features Of Outdoor Spaces, Characteristics Of Outdoor Learning Spaces, Consideration For The Design Of Outdoor Spaces, Roles Of Adults In The Outdoor Learning Spaces and more. 

Early education care services are increasingly making bush kinders part of their educational programs. These involve excursions to sites in the midst of nature and away from structured service settings. The following article provides information about the Benefits of Bush Kinders, Supervision, Planning and more.

Playing or even just spending time outdoors has long been recognized as crucial to positive learning and life outcomes in children. Outdoor spaces thus hold great significance in early education and care learning settings and have been addressed in Quality Area 3 – Physical Environment of National Quality Standards. Element - 3.2.1 mandates that “Outdoor and indoor spaces are designed and organised to engage every child in quality experiences in both built and natural environments”. As such, outdoor spaces must be and must be designed with care and conscious thought.

From the earliest months of life, babies thrive when given opportunities to experience the outdoors. Nature is not just a backdrop for play—it is a living classroom that nurtures physical strength, sensory exploration, emotional growth, and a deep sense of connection to the world. Outdoor play allows babies to move freely, discover textures, sounds, and sights, and begin forming bonds with their environment and the people around them.

For educators and families, planning outdoor play is about more than simply “taking babies outside.” It involves creating safe, stimulating spaces where babies can grasp, crawl, listen, and wonder. By offering open-ended materials, natural objects, and opportunities for social interaction, adults can scaffold experiences that support babies’ holistic development.

This guide explores outdoor play through the lens of Belonging, Being and Becoming—three dimensions that highlight how babies grow physically, emotionally, and socially in nature. Alongside practical strategies and safety considerations, it provides inspiration for educators and caregivers to design meaningful outdoor experiences that foster joy, resilience, and a lifelong respect for the environment.

Bounce Cards are designed for OSHC Educators to go with you, wherever your OSHC children play and to share ideas to encourage your children to be active every day.