Outdoor Activities for 3 and 4 Year Olds

What to expect from 3 and 4 year olds outdoors

Three and four year olds are usually active, curious and keen to try new things. Many can run, jump with two feet, climb low structures and pedal a tricycle, although children develop at different rates. Attention spans are short, so several brief activities often work better than one long one. Children at this age also still need close supervision around water, roads, play equipment and anything small enough to put in their mouths.

If you are comparing settings, our guide to indoor play vs outdoor play explains how the two complement each other.

Safety first outdoors

• Supervise closely. Stay within sight and, near water or climbing equipment, within arm’s reach.
• Water. Empty paddling pools, buckets and tubs after use. Young children can drown in very small amounts of water.
• Sun and heat. Use shade, hats, light clothing and child-appropriate sunscreen, and offer water. Avoid the hottest parts of the day.
• Choking hazards. Pebbles, acorns, seeds, small stones, bark chips and small pieces of chalk can be choking hazards. Keep these for children who reliably do not mouth objects, and supervise.
• Plants and fungi. Teach children not to eat berries, leaves, mushrooms or seeds. Some are poisonous. Check your garden for toxic plants.
• Sticks and tools. Use short, sturdy sticks only with supervision, and avoid running with them. Choose child-safe tools.
• Surfaces and equipment. Pick equipment suited to the child’s age, and check surfaces and fixings.
• Boundaries. Make sure gates and fences are secure and agree on clear limits.
• Allergies. Be aware of insect stings, pollen and latex allergies, especially when using balloons.

Ten outdoor activities to try

Running and chasing

1. Follow the leader. Take turns leading by hopping, tiptoeing, marching or crawling. It builds listening and imitation.
2. Bubble chase. Blow bubbles for children to pop. Use non-toxic bubble solution and keep it away from eyes and mouths.
3. Red light, green light. Children run on green and stop on red. It practises self-control and listening.

Balancing and climbing

4. Chalk path. Draw lines, zigzags and shapes on pavement for walking, hopping or jumping. Supervise chalk use for children who put things in their mouths.
5. Log or low beam walking. Use a stable, low log or plank, with an adult nearby. Keep heights low and surfaces soft.
6. Playground play. Choose age-suitable equipment and stay close.

Nature and sensory play

7. Nature walk and treasure hunt. Give each child a list of pictures, such as a leaf, a feather or a flower, and look for them. Look and touch, with no eating or picking unknown plants.
8. Sand, mud and water play. Provide scoops, cups and containers. Use shallow containers only, and stay with the children. For themed water play, see water-themed crafts for preschoolers.
9. Planting seeds. Plant large seeds, such as sunflowers or beans, in pots. Keep seeds away from children who might swallow them, and wash hands afterwards. More ideas are in pre-K plant activities and garden theme preschool lesson plans.

Creative play

10. Outdoor art. Paint with water on a fence, make leaf rubbings or build a mud kitchen. Choose non-toxic materials.

Fun games to play outside

• Bean bag toss. Aim bean bags at a bucket or hoop. Choose bags that are sewn securely.
• Parachute or sheet play. Hold a sheet together and wave it, with small soft toys on top.
• Simple obstacle course. Use hoops, cushions, cones and a low tunnel.
• Sink or float. Test small safe objects in a shallow tub while adults supervise. Avoid small objects that could be a choking hazard.
• Ball games. Roll, kick and throw soft, large balls.
• Animal walks. Hop like a frog, slither like a snake, stomp like an elephant.

Activities for 4 year olds

Four year olds often enjoy a little more challenge. Try games with simple rules, such as “What’s the time, Mr Wolf?”, hopscotch with large squares, or a scavenger hunt with pictures. They may also enjoy helping in the garden, building dens with sheets and pegs, or drawing a map of a play area. For ideas as they get older, see indoor and outdoor activities for kindergarten and movement activities for 5 and 6 year olds.

Ideas for younger siblings and toddlers

Toddlers can join in with adapted versions: rolling a big ball, filling and emptying buckets, exploring a sensory tray of safe natural items, or walking and collecting leaves. Keep them within arm’s reach, avoid small items, and choose open-ended, low-risk play. Keep equipment at their level.

Making it work in cold or wet weather

Many children enjoy puddles and chilly walks when they are dressed for them. Use waterproof layers and boots, and check hands and feet for signs of being too cold. Shorten sessions when it is very cold. If conditions are unsafe, such as lightning or extreme temperatures, move indoors. The article on the importance of indoor play in early childhood has ideas for those days.

Frequently asked questions

What are some fun games to play outside with kids?

Good options include red light green light, follow the leader, bubble chasing, bean bag toss and simple obstacle courses.

What activities are suitable for a 4 year old?

Hopscotch, nature scavenger hunts, ball games, planting, den building and chalk drawing are common choices. Always supervise, especially with small objects.

What are some fun outdoor activities for toddlers?

Water play in shallow containers, collecting leaves, rolling balls, sandpit play and bubble chasing. Stay close and avoid small items.

Can you list 10 examples of outdoor activities?

Yes: follow the leader, bubble chase, red light green light, chalk path, low balancing, nature walk, sand and water play, planting, outdoor art and a bean bag toss.