Outdoor play can hugely benefit children with special educational needs (SEN). Whether they’re climbing, splashing, swinging, or simply enjoying the fresh air, outdoor environments are fantastic for physical development, mental health, and social interaction.
At Outdoor Toys, we believe every child deserves to explore, learn, and grow through play. In this guide, we’ll explore the many benefits of outdoor play for children with SEN and how outdoor spaces and equipment can support their growth.
1. Supports physical development and motor skills
Many children with SEN face challenges in physical development, but outdoor play can help build strength, coordination, and body confidence in a fun and natural way.
According to the NHS, regular physical activity supports healthy growth, strengthens bones and muscles, and improves coordination in children and young people.
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Gross motor skills are strengthened by climbing, balancing, and jumping.
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Fine motor skills can be practised through sand play, water toys, or gardening tools.
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Balance and body awareness are developed through movement-rich activities like swings or trim trails.
It's worth noting that not every child with SEN will be able to access all equipment, but for many, supervised use of climbing frames, swings, or other play structures offers a great outlet for practising new physical skills.
For more on how swings can support children on the autism spectrum, check out our blog on the benefits of swings for autistic children.
2. Encourages social skills and interaction
Outdoor spaces often feel more relaxed and less overwhelming than indoor environments, helping children connect with others at their own pace.
Playgrounds, gardens, and shared spaces can encourage:
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Turn-taking and sharing
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Group games and imaginative play
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Practising communication in natural ways
Research from Learning Through Landscapes suggests outdoor play helps children with additional needs feel included and can support the development of early social skills like cooperation and empathy.
Playhouses, sandpits, and water tables are brilliant for low-pressure, side-by-side play, particularly for children who find direct interaction challenging.
3. Enhances sensory development
Spending time outdoors supports sensory development through natural surroundings and diverse textures, sounds, and movements. A study from Ambitions ABA highlights how outdoor spaces can reduce sensory overload for children with autism.
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Sensory elements like sand, mud, water, and grass provide tactile experiences.
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Natural sounds like birdsong or wind can be more calming than artificial classroom noise.
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Sunlight and fresh air help reduce sensory overload from indoor lighting or background noise.
For children with sensory sensitivities or autism spectrum disorder, outdoor environments often feel less overwhelming and more engaging than indoor classrooms.
See our blog on 12 sensory outdoor activity ideas for kids for inspiration.
4. Boosts cognitive development and learning
Outdoor play offers huge benefits for cognitive growth, particularly when paired with outdoor learning activities. Free play in nature supports:
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Problem-solving and creative thinking
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Spatial awareness and coordination
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Exploring cause and effect through interactive play
Children develop new skills more effectively when learning outdoors in a relaxed, hands-on setting. Whether building a den or navigating an obstacle course, these activities stimulate brain development.
5. Promotes mental health and emotional well-being
Outdoor play is known to reduce stress, anxiety, and emotional tension. For children with SEN, regular access to natural environments has a particularly positive impact.
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Fresh air and open space offer a calming alternative to overstimulating indoor environments.
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Free movement helps release excess energy and improve focus.
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Physical activity increases endorphins, promoting better mood and well-being.
The Mental Health Foundation notes that green spaces can significantly support emotional regulation and resilience.
6. Builds self-esteem and independence
Outdoor environments allow children with additional learning needs to explore at their own pace. Success in outdoor play, like climbing to the top of a frame, can have a powerful effect on self-esteem.
These victories help children:
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Gain a sense of achievement
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Feel more independent
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Grow in confidence through trying new things
Creating inclusive, supportive outdoor spaces helps children shine.
7. Encourages inclusive and accessible play
Inclusive play spaces are essential for supporting children with SEN. The right outdoor play equipment ensures that all children can enjoy the benefits of outdoor play.
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Wide paths and ramps offer access to children with physical disabilities.
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Adaptive equipment and sensory-rich features allow all children to take part.
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Diverse spaces encourage mixed-age and ability play.
As highlighted by SEN Magazine, inclusive outdoor design creates more equitable access to the benefits of outdoor learning and play.
Start early to build healthy habits
The earlier children experience the benefits of outdoor play, the better. Establishing these habits early fosters physical and emotional growth.
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Encouraging outdoor play over screens builds healthier routines
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Sensory-rich environments support curiosity and coordination
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Outdoor spaces promote empathy, communication, and cooperation
Younger children naturally gravitate towards sensory play. Whether they’re splashing in a paddling pool or making a mess in a mud kitchen, these moments support development in joyful, meaningful ways.
FAQs
How does outdoor play help children with autism?
Outdoor play helps autistic children by providing a calming, low-pressure environment that supports sensory regulation, physical activity, and social development. Natural surroundings reduce sensory overload, while activities like swinging or climbing improve motor skills and spatial awareness.
What are the benefits of outdoor play on children's learning?
Outdoor play benefits children's learning by promoting cognitive development, problem-solving, and creativity through hands-on, experiential activities. It enhances focus, improves memory, and supports skill-building in subjects like science and maths through exploration and play. For more information, read our full guide to the benefits of outdoor play for children.
What types of outdoor play equipment are best for children with SEN?
The best outdoor play equipment for children with SEN includes simple, open-ended items like sandpits, mud kitchens, water tables, and swings. These offer sensory stimulation, encourage free play, and support both fine and gross motor skills. Look for adaptable equipment that suits your child’s needs without requiring complex instructions.
Is outdoor play safe for children with physical or severe learning disabilities?
Yes, outdoor play can be safe with the proper precautions. Use inclusive equipment such as low-level climbing frames, supportive seating, and accessible paths. Supervision is essential, and you should always consult an occupational therapist or specialist to ensure the equipment is appropriate for your child’s specific needs.
How can I encourage my child with SEN to play outdoors?
Encourage outdoor play by starting small and focusing on your child’s interests. Offer familiar, sensory-rich activities like splashing in a water table or digging in a sandpit. Keep sessions short and relaxed. Repetition and routine help build comfort, while positive reinforcement supports confidence and engagement over time.
What types of outdoor activities can support speech and language development?
Outdoor activities that encourage communication include pretend play in a playhouse, naming objects during water or sand play, and following simple instructions in obstacle courses. The natural setting reduces pressure and offers engaging, hands-on learning opportunities to build speech and language skills.
Can outdoor play help SEN children at school?
Yes, outdoor play improves focus, behaviour, and emotional regulation, which can positively affect school performance. It gives children space to move, explore, and learn in a way that suits their needs. According to Sustainability Support for Education, schools can adapt outdoor areas by adding sensory gardens or easy-access play equipment to support learning.
Playing and learning outside helps children build confidence, develop motor skills, and manage emotions, which can all make a big difference in how they learn and interact in the classroom.