When is outdoor classroom day and how can practitioners celebrate it with children?

From investigating natural materials to practising maths through outdoor games, outdoor learning experiences can make familiar objectives more tangible and engaging. outdoor classroom day gives schools and early years settings a chance to take these learnings beyond the classroom and let children explore the world around them. The celebration also enables practitioners to try simple activities and encourage children to spend more time grasping concepts and playing outdoors throughout the year. 

A global movement for outdoor learning 

Outdoor classroom day is a global campaign that celebrates outdoor play and learning at school and at home. It takes place twice a year, typically on 21st May and 5th November, giving schools opportunities to plan seasonal activities that encourage children to explore and learn outside (Stem Learning, n.d.). Educators can use the occasion to take lessons into playgrounds or nearby green spaces, adapting activities to suit their children and the resources available. 

The campaign began as ‘empty classroom day’ in 2012 and later became outdoor classroom day as its international reach grew. Schools in more than 170 countries have participated, with over 10 million children taking part (Outdoor Classroom Day, n.d.). Its wider aim is to make outdoor play and learning a regular part of children’s lives. For practitioners, the day can serve as a starting point for testing new approaches and incorporating outdoor experiences into familiar routines. 

Benefits of outdoor classrooms and outdoor learning 

Outdoor environments enable children to explore concepts through movement, observation, hands-on experiences and play. Spending time outdoors also supports physical and mental well-being in both children and adults (Sapientia Montessori, n.d.). It encourages movement, offers fresh air and provides a change of environment during the learning day. 

These experiences also complement classroom teaching. They help children engage with ideas in different ways, interact with others and make connections with the world around them. 

Some of the key advantages of learning outdoors include:  

• Developing practical life skills: Group activities and open-ended challenges help children practise problem-solving, communication, teamwork and decision-making. 
• Strengthening understanding of nature: Observing plants, insects, weather and seasonal changes develops environmental awareness and curiosity. 
• Making learning more engaging: Practical experiences connect classroom concepts with real-life examples, from counting and measurement to science and language. 
• Offering different ways to participate: Movement, sensory exploration and hands-on tasks give children varied opportunities to engage with activities. 

Research also provides evidence that regular outdoor learning can support children’s well-being. A UK study found that children aged 7 to 8 who attended a Forest School programme reported being less tired and less bored. They were also calmer and happier overall. (Hepworth, A., Haddad, H. and Edmonds, C.J., 2024) 

Outdoor classroom day activities to try  

Educators can adapt familiar classroom activities to outdoor spaces, connect them with current learning objectives and give children room to explore. These activities offer practical ways to celebrate outdoor classroom day while introducing experiences that can become part of regular learning routines. 

Nature scavenger hunt 

Educators can give children a picture checklist or a list of natural features to find, such as a jagged leaf, a smooth stone, a seed or something with a distinctive smell. Encourage them to observe, describe and compare their discoveries. Younger children might focus on colours and textures, while older children can classify objects by shape, size or habitat. 

Children can record their observations through drawings, photographs or short descriptions. This approach develops vocabulary and observation skills while helping them recognise different elements in the natural environment. 

Outdoor maths and literacy sessions 

Guide children to count and sort leaves or compare the lengths of fallen twigs. They can also create patterns with stones or practise writing letters and numbers with chalk. These activities give them opportunities to explore counting, measurement, patterns and descriptive language through direct experience. 

A 2026 UK study exploring primary-aged children’s experiences of outdoor maths found that children viewed these lessons as inclusive and engaging. These sessions also encourage them to cultivate creativity, self-direction and collaboration. (Barrett-Rodger, L., Goldspink, S. and Engward, H., 2026) 

Teachers can build on this approach by inviting children to create challenges for their peers. One child might arrange a pattern for a classmate to continue, while another describes an object for others to find. Revisiting these tasks throughout the term allows practitioners to align the challenges with current learning objectives. 

Habitat building  

Teachers can invite small groups to design a miniature shelter or habitat using fallen leaves, twigs, bark and other safe natural materials. Children can consider what a small creature might need, including shelter and protection. The task encourages teamwork, creative thinking and problem-solving while introducing ideas about animal needs and habitats. 

Practitioners can also adapt these activities to suit children’s ages, abilities and learning needs. Before starting, they should check the area for hazards, consider the weather and provide appropriate supervision. Playgrounds and courtyards can work just as well as gardens or nearby green spaces. 

Make outdoor learning an everyday activity 

Outdoor classroom day allows practitioners to introduce new activities and celebrate outdoor learning practices. Its lasting impact comes from providing children with regular opportunities to learn, play and explore outdoors. Over time, outdoor learning can become a natural part of the educational experience, supporting children’s curiosity, well-being and ongoing development.