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Nurturing physical development with outdoor play

Blog
The YPO Team
06 Jun 2025

As early years experts, we know that our littlest learners are some of the keenest explorers, especially when it comes to physical development. It’s not unusual to observe them desperately trying their luck on the big kids’ climbing frames and playground equipment without realising that they’re too little.

It is important though, to give toddlers the opportunity to take risks from time to time. Doing so in a controlled environment is instrumental in helping them build confidence and essential gross motor skills as they move, climb and coordinate.

Physical development resources

In need of some inspiration?

We can help! Here are four physical development activities to get those little hands and feet moving.

Rocky mountain way

Mini climbing crest

Small climbing frames are a great way to give your little ones the feeling that they’re playing like the ‘big kids’ without the added dangers. Set the scene in which the climbing frame is a ‘mountain’ and challenge the children: “Who can climb to the peak of the mountain?”. Encourage them to use one step and hand forward at a time and make use of climbing holds as they go. The children will thrive as they take on the challenges of the climbing frame. It builds their strength and balance by encouraging them to coordinate both their hands and feet to reach the top of the frame.

What you’ll need:

D57781 – Mini climbing crest

Billy Goats’ bridge

Mini Bridge

Are your early years adventurers struggling to find their balance? A miniature bridge is the perfect solution! Children can use bridges to practice toddling or crawling to challenge their balance on an elevated surface, engaging in the essential physical activities that support their growth and development. As simple as it seems, a heightened surface can have so many benefits, as long as you watch for the occasional troll as they trip-trap over the bridge.

What you’ll need:

D57788 – Mini bridge

Up and under

Cosy Phil's clambering walls

Give your little ones another challenge by setting up an outdoor clambering course. Clambering activities help children practice coordination and problem-solving as they navigate their way up and under different obstacles. They are encouraged to build spatial awareness to complete the course. This is another excellent way to help children build body strength from a young age.

What You’ll need:

D58328 – Cosy Phil’s Clambering Walls

Row, row, row your boat!

Cosy outdoor rocking boat and steps

Combine the magic of imaginative play with physical development with rocking boats! Children will learn about balance and cause and effect whilst developing core strength as they rock the boat back and forth. Encourage your learners to partner up and set sail – with time and communication, they’ll soon be merrily rowing their boat down the steam.

What you’ll need:

D43758 – Cosy outdoor rocking boat and steps

Love the products mentioned in this blog?
Browse our full range of early years products for more EYFS inspiration.

Want more early years ideas?
Check out our latest issue of Little Learners magazine. Don't forget to subscribe for free to receive all future issues and be entered into our exclusive subscriber competitions.

Author

The YPO Team

YPO supplies products and services to a wide range of customers including schools, local authorities, charities, emergency services, public sector and other businesses such as nurseries and care homes. YPO are 100% publicly owned, by 13 local authorities, which means the profits made are returned to public sector customers, delivering even better value for money.