Autumn is the perfect season to get outside with little ones. Outdoor play in autumn helps children develop key skills, from counting and language to creativity and understanding the world around them.

We've witnessed the vibrant summer colours turn into golden hues meaning autumn has truly settled in for the season and children love exploring the sights, sounds and smells of this enchanting time of year. At Little Blue Door, we encourage outdoor learning all year round, but autumn brings extra opportunities for discovery. Here are some ideas you can share with your little ones, from collecting colourful leaves, counting conkers, spotting bugs and splashing in puddles, these are all simple activities that engage our little one’s senses and support their development.

Learning Through Play

• Maths: Counting conkers, leaves or acorns helps children practise numbers and one-to-one correspondence.
  
  
• Language & Communication: Talking about colours, shapes and textures encourages new vocabulary and conversation.
  
  
• Understanding the World: Observing insects, weather changes and tree life cycles teaches children about nature and the environment.
  
  
• Physical Development: Running, jumping, and balancing when exploring the outdoors encourages coordination and strength.

You don’t need special equipment to make outdoor autumn play educational. Try creating a leaf collage, starting a mini bug hunt in your garden, or counting how many puddles you can jump in together. Even simple observations, like noticing the changing colours of trees, spark curiosity and learning.

Outdoor adventures are not just fun - they are a chance to explore, experiment and learn through real-life experiences. Encouraging play in nature at home helps reinforce skills while fostering a lifelong love of the outdoors.

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