Ways to Encourage Outdoor Play

Fresh air, muddy knees and big belly laughs, there's nothing better than an outdoor adventure! That’s why this spring, we’ve teamed up with Nicola Henderson from Godstone Farm to share her top tips on encouraging kids to explore the great outdoors to help capture their natural curiosity to carefree rain-or-shine fun!

New in Spring

At JoJo, we love to work closely with experts to bring you helpful, trustworthy advice. That’s why we’ve written this blog post in collaboration with Nicola Henderson, CEO of Godstone Farm who has over 23 years of experience in family entertainment. She has expert knowledge in the power of play, outdoor learning and meaningful visitor experiences.

First, dress for mud (& mess!)

The best days always end with muddy wellies and rosy cheeks! So, start their expeditions off right with adventure-proof layers.
Open spaces, fresh air and freedom to roam help kids release energy, regulate emotions and reset, which means comfy, practical clothing will help kids focus on fuss-free play. Think snug layers of Knitwear, Waterproof Jackets & Coats, and puddle-jumping Wellie Boots that are flexible yet tough enough take on any kind of mud. When kids feel unrestricted, they're far more likely to stay outside for longer. So pull on those wellies, zip up those coats and head outside. There’s a whole world waiting to be discovered!

Unsure what the best outerwear is for them? Check out our handy outerwear guide to get them ready for their next adventure.

Outdoor essentials

Come rain or shine, we’re all about a messy, fun-filled playtime...

Girls Puddlesuits

Boys Puddlesuits

Girls Coats & Jackets

Boys Coats & Jackets

Turn every outing into an adventure

Even simple strolls can turn into explorative fun. Start with their surroundings on a walk. Ask them questions about what they can see. How many puddles are on the ground? What different shaped leaves can they find? By creating magic through nature, you're helping them to observe the natural world around them, sparking their curiosity. “Children take their cues from adults,” Nicola says. “When we model calm encouragement rather than fear, children feel supported to experience new surroundings.”

Top tip: Let little ones lead the way. Following their interests (even if it’s stopping to watch ducks for ten minutes!) helps build independence and daily joy.

Encourage hands-on learning

Outdoor play is packed with learning opportunities - so head out and discover the family-friendly spots on your doorstep. Places like Godstone Farm offer hands-on activities including animal encounters, feeding sessions and discovery trails. Seeing nature up close will develop your little one’s empathy, responsibility and a natural desire to know more about the world – from learning how food is grown to recognising the sounds animals make, it all adds to the boost in their confidence and when children are trusted to judge their own abilities and give things a go, the sense of achievement they feel is incredibly powerful.

Have fun with friends

The great outdoors is even more fun with adventure buddies! Whether it’s a playdate or nursery trip, shared play naturally encourages children to communicate, cooperate and help one another. Even a simple game, whether it’s negotiating turns or solving a problem together, these social interactions happen instinctively and spark imaginative joy. Nicola says, “Some of the most imaginative play we see at Godstone Farm starts with children deciding for themselves what to do next!”

Make a safe space for risky play

Climbing a little higher, balancing on stepping stones, and even try-again moments can have small risks that lead to the biggest boosts in confidence. If they’ve reached a place of feeling comfortable outdoors, you can start to encourage risk-based play in their activities. Supervised spaces are brilliant for this, so why not let them lead the way with what they want to conquer next? “It’s important to remember every child has a different comfort level,” says Nicola. “Risky play works best when children are encouraged, never forced, to stretch just beyond what feels easy for them. That balance will build self-awareness, trust and emotional confidence.”

Bring the outdoors home with you

A garden or local green space can be just as exciting as their big adventures, so try simple activities like watering plants, growing their first fruit and veg or create a "mud kitchen" with old pots and spoons. Muddy clothes and messy hands are often signs of meaningful learning. By simply fitting an hour of play each day, you’ll build happy, curious explorers with a confidence that lasts well beyond childhood.