Sun’s out, fun’s out! Summer is here and we’ve rounded up our favourite outdoor resources to inspire your summer setup. From water play to sand creations and muddy masterpieces, these activities spark curiosity, keep little hands busy and nurture a sense of belonging, being, and becoming. Ensuring you’re covering a whole range of Early Year Learning Framework outcomes.
Ready to make a splash? Let’s dive in!
Just add water
Nothing beats the cool fun of water play on a warm day. Whether it’s splashing, pouring or making potions, sensory water experiences are always a summer hit. Here’s 3 ways to take a water table, like our Fun2 Play Activity Tray & Stand, and go wild!
Aquatic adventures
For little animal lovers, build a fish tank, go fishing, or give sea creatures a bubbly bath! This sensory-rich pretend play sparks curiosity and helps kids explore the world around them. Don’t forget the adorable waterproof overalls – practical and oh-so-cute!
Funtime Fishing Set
Waterway play
Turn water into STEAM learning! Budding engineers can experiment with colourful pipes, mini pumps and pouring tools to explore water flow, pressure, and movement. As they piece together their creations, they’ll discover cause and effect in action while building problem-solving skills. It’s hands-on fun that’s full of early STEAM magic!
Potion commotion
Ready for MORE magic? Pour, whisk and sprinkle your way to magical potions or a bubbling wombat stew! Add a dash of glitter or natural treasures like leaves and flowers for the perfect finishing touch. Potion-making isn’t just a witchy hobby, it’s a calming sensory activity and gateway to imaginative play and creative exploration! Mischief managed!
Super sandpits
The sandpit is an endless source of adventure and creativity (not to mention an endless source of sand in little shoes, ears and nappies!). Whether they’re building castles, unearthing treasures or constructing their own sandy world, children love diving into sand play. Here are three exciting ways to turn a sandpit – like our Store It Wooden Sandpit – into a hub of exploration and imagination!
Construction zone ahead
Car obsessed? Loader lover? Digger devotee? Set up a mini construction zone where children can dig, transport sand, build structures and carve out their very own sandy roads. Don’t forget those hard hats! WARNING: This activity will build fine motor skills while fostering teamwork and social connections!
Barkless Wooden Log Blocks |
Viking Toys Eco Hearts XL |
Construction Worker Dress Up |
Hunting for treasure
Hide colourful treasures in the sandpit and let the digging adventure begin! Little hands can sift, scoop and rake to uncover hidden gems and see who can fill their bucket the fastest. Treasure hunts are a playful way to boost fine motor skills while practicing turn-taking and building social connections. Discover our favourite hidden gems for treasure play below!
Wooden Treasures Set
Sand sculptures
Spark creativity as kids shape animals, castles, or their own imaginative designs in the sandpit. Add natural elements like twigs or stones for extra flair. Watch their faces light up with pride as they bring their unique creations to life!
Mud kitchen: Now open!
Let’s talk about something that brings all the fun, mess, and learning together in one glorious outdoor package: mud kitchens! Yep, there’s no better time of year to dive into the world of dirt and let little ones unleash their creativity and exercise social skills, while sharing plenty of laughs along the way.
These muddy masterpieces are a game-changer in early childhood education. So, grab a mud kitchen, like our Living Classrooms Mud Mixing Table and watch them enjoy muddy play, all day!
Nature Café
Order’s up! Watch as the little chefs bake ‘mudpies’, serve ‘coffee’ and sit down to enjoy their creations with friends in their very own mud cafe. Pretend & play activities are amazing for exercising collaboration, social skills and encourage (a lot of) imagination!
Fossil Finders
Archaeologists assemble! Hide fossils and bones under the mud and encourage their little hands to gently brush away to reveal their findings. Children will learn about connecting with their world and understanding of the natural elements, while enjoying some good old-fashioned sensory fun.
Easi Grip Brushes 
Dinosaur Skeletons
Muddy masterpieces
Museum of modern mud anyone? Watch as your little artists mix mud and water to create textured masterpieces. Whether they’re finger-painting, brushing, or stamping, it is all about getting hands-on and letting their creativity flow. Plus, they’ll be boosting their sensory skills, fine motor control, and hand-eye coordination—all while connecting with nature!
The outdoors is more than just a change of scenery – it’s a world of possibilities. It’s about movement, discovery, and the joy of learning through play. So, grab your buckets, spades and sunscreen – Outdoor adventures await!