Outdoor Play in Autumn: Learning Benefits for Kindergarten Children

Outdoor play benefits support learning, wellbeing and development for kindergarten children this autumn at Gower Street Kindergarten in Preston.

Outdoor play is an essential part of early childhood education in Australia, especially in kindergarten, where children learn best through play. The outdoor play benefits go beyond physical activity, supporting children’s thinking, social skills, and emotional well-being. During autumn, the natural environment offers even more meaningful opportunities for children to explore and connect with the world around them.

Why Autumn Is the Perfect Season for Outdoor Learning

Autumn provides ideal conditions for outdoor play and learning in Australian kindergartens, with mild weather that allows children to spend more time outside comfortably. Seasonal changes such as falling leaves, cooler breezes and changing colours naturally spark curiosity and encourage observation. These experiences support sensory engagement and provide meaningful opportunities for children to explore weather and environmental change.

Outdoor Play Benefits for Kindergarten Children

The outdoor environment supports holistic development by offering varied and flexible learning experiences that cannot be replicated indoors. Purposefully planned outdoor play supports a wide range of developmental areas and aligns closely with EYLF outcomes. The outdoor play benefits for kindergarten children include:

•  Physical development: balance, coordination, strength and gross motor skills
•  Cognitive benefits: problem-solving, curiosity, early scientific thinking
•  Emotional well-being: reduced stress, self-regulation, and confidence building
•  Social development: teamwork, negotiation, communication during play
•  Alignment with EYLF learning outcomes (Wellbeing, Learning, Identity)

Through outdoor play, children learn to assess risk, persist through challenges and collaborate with peers. These experiences contribute to resilience, independence and positive self-identity, all of which are essential foundations for lifelong learning.

Practical Autumn Outdoor Play Ideas for Kindergarten Settings

Autumn presents a valuable opportunity for kindergartens to integrate nature-based learning into their daily programs. Outdoor play during this season can be both structured and child-led, allowing educators to extend learning while respecting children’s interests. Practical ideas that support learning outcomes include:

•  Nature walks and leaf collections
•  Sensory play with autumn materials (leaves, bark, seeds)
•  Simple science activities (observing weather, changes in trees)

These activities encourage observation, curiosity and meaningful engagement with the environment. Educators support learning through thoughtful questions, new vocabulary and guided reflection. Suitable clothing and safe outdoor spaces help children enjoy outdoor learning throughout the season.

Supporting Learning Through Outdoor Play at Gower Street Kindergarten

At Gower Street Kindergarten, we recognise the long-term outdoor play benefits for kindergarten children and actively embed outdoor learning into our educational programs. Our approach reflects EYLF principles and supports children’s physical wellbeing, emotional resilience and love of learning through nature-based experiences. By embracing seasonal outdoor play, we create a nurturing environment where children feel confident, capable and connected to their world.

Contact us to experience a commitment to high-quality early childhood education that supports every child’s growth and well-being.

Related Blog Articles:
Sensory Smart Classrooms: Meeting Kindergarten Needs While Extending Learning
Play-Based Learning for Kindergartners: How Guided Play Builds Essential Skills