What if I only have a small garden or no garden at all?

The activities covered are designed to work in a range of spaces, including balconies, local parks and short walks, not just large gardens. We spend time during the session adapting ideas specifically to the outdoor access you actually have.

Do I need to know a lot about plants or nature myself?

No specialist knowledge is needed — the focus is on providing rich sensory and exploratory experiences rather than teaching botanical facts. Simple identification tips are shared, but the value of the activities doesn't depend on expert knowledge.

What supplies do I need for the kit?

For the in-person session, a base kit and materials are provided so you leave with something ready to use. For the online session, a simple list of easily sourced or foraged items is sent beforehand so you can assemble your kit at home.

Is this safe for very young children or toddlers?

Yes, and the safety checklist covered specifically addresses choking hazards, plant safety and appropriate supervision for younger children exploring loose parts outdoors. Activities are easily scaled up or down depending on age.

What happens on days when the weather is really bad?

The session includes a dedicated wet-weather activity so a rainy day doesn't mean cancelling outdoor time altogether, along with guidance on suitable clothing and short bursts of outdoor exploration even in poor conditions.

Hands-on make & take

Nature-Play Activity Planning

Outdoor time offers some of the richest, most open-ended learning available to children, but it helps to have a few simple, repeatable activities ready to go rather than relying on inspiration in the moment. This session works through planning nature-play activities for different weather and settings, and you'll build a take-home nature-play kit alongside a simple planning sheet you can reuse throughout the year.

Led by Amy Byrne — BA (Hons) Level 8 in Early Childhood Education and Care, currently studying a Level 9 postgraduate in play therapy, Children First trained and a Mandated Person. One hour, with a take-home booklet and a dated certificate of attendance.

See dates & book Request this as a private session

Who this is for

For parents and educators who want to spend more time outdoors with children but aren't sure how to structure that time meaningfully.

What we cover in the hour

Why unstructured outdoor time supports development across all Aistear themes.
Simple nature-play activities suited to different weather, including wet days.
How to plan around what's naturally available in your local area or garden.
Balancing adult-led invitations with genuinely open-ended exploration.
Safety considerations for foraging, water play and loose parts outdoors.
Building a rotating bank of go-to activities so planning becomes quick.

What you'll leave with

A small nature-play kit assembled during the session, ready for your next outing.
A one-page planning sheet for structuring future outdoor sessions.
Three ready-to-use activity ideas suited to your local outdoor space.
A wet-weather backup activity you can rely on without extra planning.
A simple safety checklist for foraging and loose-parts play.

Inside the booklet

The booklet includes a seasonal activity bank, a safety checklist for outdoor materials, and a blank planning template.

This session is grounded in the Aistear theme of Exploring and Thinking and reflects the Outdoor Learning principles of first-hand, sensory-rich experience in nature.

How it can be delivered

Delivery formats and prices for Nature-Play Activity Planning
Format	Price
Public ticket — live onlineOne hour, small group, booklet emailed	€20 per person
Public ticket — in personOne hour in a venue near you, booklet in hand	€35 per person
Private 1:1 with Amy30 minutes €25 · full hour €50 (3 for €135)	from €25
Private group — onlineParent evening or staff session, minimum 5	€35 per person
Private group — in personYour setting or venue, minimum 6	€45 per person

No VAT and no booking fees. An itemised receipt is emailed instantly, and invoices are available before you book. Running this across a whole setting? Setting packages start at €399.

Common questions

What if I only have a small garden or no garden at all?: The activities covered are designed to work in a range of spaces, including balconies, local parks and short walks, not just large gardens. We spend time during the session adapting ideas specifically to the outdoor access you actually have.
Do I need to know a lot about plants or nature myself?: No specialist knowledge is needed — the focus is on providing rich sensory and exploratory experiences rather than teaching botanical facts. Simple identification tips are shared, but the value of the activities doesn't depend on expert knowledge.
What supplies do I need for the kit?: For the in-person session, a base kit and materials are provided so you leave with something ready to use. For the online session, a simple list of easily sourced or foraged items is sent beforehand so you can assemble your kit at home.
Is this safe for very young children or toddlers?: Yes, and the safety checklist covered specifically addresses choking hazards, plant safety and appropriate supervision for younger children exploring loose parts outdoors. Activities are easily scaled up or down depending on age.
What happens on days when the weather is really bad?: The session includes a dedicated wet-weather activity so a rainy day doesn't mean cancelling outdoor time altogether, along with guidance on suitable clothing and short bursts of outdoor exploration even in poor conditions.

Related workshops

More in this theme: Outdoor learning · All workshop themes · Upcoming dates

Available live online across Ireland, and in person in Dublin, Kildare, Meath, Wicklow, Louth, Cork and other counties.

Trusted early years resources

Every workshop is grounded in Irish early years frameworks and national guidance.

Workshop themes · Book a date · Counties we serve · Play & learning blog · FAQ · About Amy