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Minibeast Tuff Tray Outdoor Learning

Blog
Magic and Mudpies
06 Aug 2026

Minibeast Tuff Tray for outdoor sensory play and exploration in early years

Simple, Play Led Outdoor Learning

Creating fun and play led outdoor learning experiences doesn’t need to be complicated, especially when supporting EYFS outdoor learning through hands on and child led experiences.

This outdoor minibeast tuff tray is a simple but highly engaging activity, the activity is designed to encourage children to explore textures, develop fine motor skills and spark curiosity through natural sensory play. Inspired by another local outdoor group, the idea stood out because of how effective it was while still being easy to set up. The aim was to create something inviting that children could immediately engage with, as well as supporting sensory exploration and child led discovery through minibeast habitats.

Tuff Tray

Engagement through open ended play

We prepared the play tray before the children arrived at the group; this allowed them to get stuck in straight away. As soon as the children saw the minibeast setup, they naturally gravitated towards it and began digging, scooping and exploring independently. The versatile nature of the setup meant children interacted with it in different ways. Some focused on searching for bugs while some explored the textures using their hands and the different tools provided. This flexibility allowed the activity to unfold naturally and be led entirely by the children's curiosity.

Creating interest with natural textures and materials

To create interest and engagement, the tuff tray was set up using a mix of soil, sand, bark and loose parts to provide different textures and areas to explore. The contrasting sections helped support sensory development while also encouraging children to discover new elements.

I added flowers, minibeasts, pinecones and log slices to create visual interest and spark imaginative play. These small details helped to lengthen the activity and encourage children to talk about what they could see. They really enjoyed identifying bugs and exploring natural materials.

Supporting fine motor skills development

Utensils and investigation tools were placed around the play tray to support fine motor skills and encourage exploration. Scoops, tongs and magnifiers allowed children to dig, transfer and investigate. This helped with the children's coordination and control.

The layout was simple and uncluttered to ensure children could move freely between textures and independently discover different items as they played and explored.

Tuff Tray

Adapting the activity for different ages and abilities

This activity supports a wide range of ages and abilities. Younger children can benefit from the sensory experience and opportunities to develop fine motor skills through digging and handling objects.

Older children can widen their learning by discussing what they see, identifying different bugs, and exploring the natural materials in more detail.

Why this tuff tray works so well

One of the biggest strengths of this setup is how easy it is to recreate. A small selection of textures combined with a few engaging extras is enough to create a meaningful learning experience. Using soil, sand and bark provides a rich sensory experience, supporting natural sensory play and early exploration of minibeast habitats.

Setting the activity up before children arrive helps create immediate engagement and excitement. This allows children to lead the exploration to ensure the play remains purposeful.

Simple setup and various learning opportunities

This simple outdoor minibeast tuff tray demonstrates how effective outdoor learning can be when children are given the freedom to explore. With little setup and strong opportunities for sensory play, communication and fine motor development, it creates an engaging activity that sparks curiosity and creativity in early years learning.

Here are some products that are sure to be a hit in your Minibeasts Tuff Tray:

Soil Investigation Kit 5 Pack
Code: 450481

Dried Flowers Natural Materials 75g
Code: 804308

TickiT Rainbow Magnifiers
Code: 427301

CollectA Mini Beasts Bumper Pack
Code: 832251

Bio Mega Sand and Water Set
Code: 427438

Pine Cones for Nature Crafts 500g
Code: 305055

Play Sand Non-Toxic 15kg Bag
Code: 803022

Tuff Tray

Written by: Magic and Mudpies

Author

Magic and Mudpies

Magic and Mudpies are an outdoor nature playgroup for tots and pre-schoolers aged 1-5 years (under 1’s are welcome). Our playgroup is set within the beautiful grounds of Eyre Chapel. We provide enchanted, magical, invitations to play and explore freely. Our playgroup aims to promote child-led play from a young age , in a natural environment that enables children to build on early foundations for learning and discovery.