Planning Outdoor Activity Areas

Planning Outdoor Activity Areas
Space or Interest Area Supported Activities Examples of Equipment and Materials to Support Area
Open area Running, games, planned physical activities such as an obstacle course or play with a parachute Paved or cushioned surface (e.g., grass, mulch, rubber) balls, ropes, hula hoops, parachute, cones, bean bags
Water/mud play Filling, pouring, measuring, water channeling Water table; dishwashing basins; pots/pans; measuring cups, funnels, kitchen utensils, hose/running water; plastic PVC-type tubing
Playground structures Climbing, swinging, crawling, sliding, balancing Structures must be rated for age-appropriateness and professionally installed to meet local licensing codes for spacing and safety
Gardening, recycling Planting, transplanting, weeding, watering, harvesting, composting, sorting/recycling Movable containers; designated ground space for ornamental, herb, or vegetable garden; wall frames, features such as an arbor, fences, pergola, or trellis; recycling and composting container; rainwater collection barrel; tools, pots, potting bench; watering can; hose/sprinkler
Dramatic play Pretend play and opportunity to create fantasy structures such as tents, houses, fort or castle, etc. Playhouse and/or designated area; performance platform; structural props such as tent, poles, small tree branches or bamboo poles, sheets/fabric; weatherproof containers to store themed props that support current fantasy interests
Music Playing and listening to music; singing; dancing; movement Weatherproof permanent installation such as chimes or marimba; rhythm instruments; tape/CD player; scarves, bells
Art Painting, drawing, sculpture, weaving Table, access to water, weatherproof storage containers for supplies and tools such as paper, brushes, clay, paints, sidewalk chalk, fabrics, etc.
Gathering space Relaxing, conversation, storytelling/reading, performing, providing directions or instructions Defined area with decking, paving stones, grass, small sitting wall, etc.; weatherproof chairs or stools; tree stumps; picnic table
Sand/digging Sifting, pouring, digging, scooping, measuring, etc. Sandbox or pit, covered to protect from animals when not in use; weatherproof construction toys such as trucks, cars, bulldozers, etc.
Science and observation Collecting, sorting, observing and recording Bins for sorting found or provided objects such as stones, leaves, sticks, shells, bark, etc.
Construction Building Flat platform or building space; weatherproof blocks or other items that can be used for construction (hammers, wood scraps, nails, etc.)
Vehicles Riding, scooting, pushing, pulling Wagons, trikes (must meet safety regulations); scooters; paved or hard-packed surface that provides track or pathways for riding that will not interfere with or provide safety concerns for other children; traffic cones or signs; bridge/tunnel
Hills Rolling, sliding, crawling Small earthen mound or inclined space covered with grass or cushioning material
Source: Nature Explore Sourcebook (Arbor Foundation, 2012).
Table 8.2 Planning Outdoor Activity Areas

8.2 Motor Skills

Gross and fine motor activities and materials are designed to help children develop muscle strength and the ability to control large and small muscle groups effectively. Many of the physical activities that help children stay fit advance the development of these skills as well.

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