Math becomes so much more meaningful when children can see and touch it. For early years and kindergarten, the outdoors is full of opportunities to explore numbers, counting, patterns, and basic operations in a playful way. Here are 5 easy outdoor math activities to try—with links to guides and printables to help you get started.
1. Subtraction Piles (Numbers 1–20)
Head outside with a pile of natural objects—like stones or pinecones—and challenge children to subtract from the pile as they play. You might say, “We have 10 sticks—can you take 3 away? How many are left?”
Download the outdoor subtraction lesson for early years here.
2. Rock Patterns for Counting & Shape Recognition
This simple lesson idea gets children to create repeating patterns using stones and other natural items. It’s a brilliant way to introduce early counting, shape names, and pattern recognition all at once.
Download the outdoor pattern activity here.
3. Counting Nature Mats (Numbers 1–20)
Lay out number mats (or draw numbers with chalk), and challenge children to collect the correct number of natural items to match each mat. This hands-on activity strengthens counting skills and number recognition.
Download the counting mats here.
4. Nature Addition (Numbers 1 – 25)
Explore early addition by creating two piles of natural objects and counting how many there are altogether. This helps children visualize what addition looks like using real-world materials.
Download this outdoor math activity here.
5. Fill The Gap Challenge | Outdoor Counting
Counting and adding outdoors is great fun with this simple activity where students will fill in the grids with the correct number of items. For example, they may be asked to fill in six squares with four leaves and two stones.
Download the outdoor math activity pack here.
Outdoor math taps into children’s natural curiosity and love of play. It makes abstract concepts concrete and helps keep little learners engaged—plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate movement and fine motor skills into your lessons.
Math becomes so much more meaningful when children can see and touch it. For early years and kindergarten, the outdoors is full of opportunities to explore numbers, counting, patterns, and basic operations in a playful way. Here are 5 easy outdoor math activities to try—with links to guides and printables to help you get started.
1. Subtraction Piles (Numbers 1–20)
Head outside with a pile of natural objects—like stones or pinecones—and challenge children to subtract from the pile as they play. You might say, “We have 10 sticks—can you take 3 away? How many are left?”
Download the outdoor subtraction lesson for early years here.
2. Rock Patterns for Counting & Shape Recognition
This simple lesson idea gets children to create repeating patterns using stones and other natural items. It’s a brilliant way to introduce early counting, shape names, and pattern recognition all at once.
Download the outdoor pattern activity here.
3. Counting Nature Mats (Numbers 1–20)
Lay out number mats (or draw numbers with chalk), and challenge children to collect the correct number of natural items to match each mat. This hands-on activity strengthens counting skills and number recognition.
Download the counting mats here.
4. Nature Addition (Numbers 1 – 25)
Explore early addition by creating two piles of natural objects and counting how many there are altogether. This helps children visualize what addition looks like using real-world materials.
Download this outdoor math activity here.
5. Fill The Gap Challenge | Outdoor Counting
Counting and adding outdoors is great fun with this simple activity where students will fill in the grids with the correct number of items. For example, they may be asked to fill in six squares with four leaves and two stones.
Download the outdoor math activity pack here.
Outdoor math taps into children’s natural curiosity and love of play. It makes abstract concepts concrete and helps keep little learners engaged—plus, it’s a fantastic way to incorporate movement and fine motor skills into your lessons.
Adam