Opening Summary:
Outdoor play isn’t just a break from the classroom; it’s a powerful tool for early childhood development. In this post, we’ll explore how outdoor summer activities support both cognitive and physical growth in preschoolers. You’ll also find engaging, developmentally appropriate outdoor learning ideas that combine STEM exploration with sunshine and movement.

Why Outdoor Play Matters in Early Childhood Education

At a glance: Outdoor play enhances brain development, builds coordination, and nurtures a love of learning.

According to the CDC and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), young children benefit greatly from daily outdoor activity. Movement, unstructured exploration, and nature-based discovery are all critical in developing a child’s:

• Gross motor skills (running, jumping, climbing)
• Cognitive flexibility (problem-solving and memory)
• Social skills (cooperative play and communication)
• Emotional regulation (reduced stress and better mood)

At ABC East Child Development Center, we integrate outdoor time into our educational programs for children in Greeley as a core part of learning, not just a bonus.

Summer-Themed Outdoor Learning: What Does It Look Like?

When children are learning outdoors, every rock, puddle, and breeze becomes a teaching moment. Here are examples of fun kids activities in East Greeley that blend outdoor play with meaningful educational outcomes:

1. Nature-Based STEM Exploration

Activity Ideas:

• Bug Safari: Give children magnifying glasses and bug containers to explore insects. Talk about habitats, body parts, and movement.
• Shadow Science: Observe and trace shadows at different times of day. Ask children to predict what might happen when the sun moves.
• Float or Sink Pool Play: Set up a water bin and test various natural objects like leaves, sticks, and rocks. Introduce vocabulary like “heavy,” “light,” “surface,” and “density.”

Developmental Benefits:

• Encourages curiosity and early scientific thinking
• Strengthens observation and comparison skills
• Fosters vocabulary growth around the natural world

2. Movement and Gross Motor Challenges

Activity Ideas:

• Obstacle Course: Create a course with cones, hula hoops, and balance beams for jumping, crawling, and zig-zagging.
• Nature Scavenger Hunt: List outdoor items to find (a round rock, a leaf bigger than your hand, something yellow).
• Parachute Games: Build teamwork and coordination with bouncing balls, changing speeds, and listening to cues.

Pro Tip from Our Teachers:
We keep safety in mind with shaded areas, hydration breaks, and age-appropriate physical challenges. Outdoor time is most effective when paired with simple instructions and flexible goals.

3. Garden-Based Learning

Activity Ideas:

• Seed Planting Stations: Children fill small cups or garden plots with soil and plant fast-growing seeds like beans or sunflowers.
• Watering Jobs: Assign watering responsibilities to teach responsibility and routine.
• Observation Journals: Children can draw what their plants look like each week, noticing growth and change over time.

Social-Emotional Benefits:

• Teaches patience and delayed gratification
• Builds self-confidence through responsibility
• Reinforces connections between people and the environment

How ABC East Supports Summer Learning Outdoors

At ABC East Child Development Center, our educational programs for children in Greeley are designed to balance play, learning, and development in every season.

During our summer enrichment and UPK (Universal Preschool Colorado) programs, we expand learning beyond the classroom with:

• Regular outdoor play integrated with curriculum goals
• Nature walks, water play, and garden activities
• STEM-based group challenges
• Activities tailored to each child’s age and readiness

We follow all state licensing and health safety standards, ensuring safe play spaces, sun protection policies, and educator supervision at all times.

Common Concern: Is Too Much Sun Dangerous?

While it’s true that young skin needs protection, children can and should play outside daily, with precautions.

Here’s how we protect our students:

• We schedule outdoor time during mild morning hours
• We apply parent-approved sunscreen and encourage hats
• We rotate between shaded and sunny areas
• We keep hydration accessible at all times

Top Tip: At home, try setting up a shady play tent or using water-based activities to keep cool while learning outdoors.

Why Summer Is the Perfect Time to Enroll

Summer is more than a break from school, it’s a launchpad for early learning success. If your child is eligible for UPK or entering preschool soon, enrolling in a summer program is a great way to ease into structured routines while staying active.

At a glance, here’s what we offer:

• UPK and summer programs for children ages 3–5
• Play-based curriculum rooted in child development research
• Safe, engaging outdoor activities daily
• Experienced, nurturing staff who support individual learning needs

Explore our Universal Preschool Colorado programs »
Contact us for enrollment details »

In Summary

Outdoor summer learning offers far more than fun, it’s a foundation for healthy development. Whether your preschooler is planting seeds, chasing bubbles, or studying shadows, they’re building skills that will support them for years to come.

At ABC East Child Development Center, we believe every child deserves a summer full of sunshine, discovery, and growth. We invite you to see how our programs nurture the whole child, body, mind, and heart.

Open enrollment is happening now.
Contact us today to secure your child’s spot in our summer camp or UPK program!