Outdoor Classroom Day

Outdoor Classroom Day History

Outdoor Classroom Day is a global initiative designed to encourage schools to take learning outdoors, enhancing children's connection with nature and promoting their overall wellbeing. The campaign aims to highlight the importance of outdoor playtime, hands-on learning experiences, and exploratory activities for the cognitive and physical development of young children. Emphasising the benefits of outdoor learning, it encourages educators to collaborate and share success stories, while inspiring a long-lasting commitment to incorporate outdoor education as a regular part of their school curriculum.

The roots of Outdoor Classroom Day can be traced back to 2012 when a group of educators and environmentalists started the movement in response to an alarming decline in the time children spend playing freely outdoors. Over the years, the movement has morphed into an annual celebration, with millions of participants across more than 100 countries joining in. The positive impact it has had on children worldwide makes this campaign highly relevant for the United Kingdom, where increased academic pressure and reliance on technology has led to a disconnect from nature and limited outdoor experiences.

Each year, schools across the United Kingdom enthusiastically take part in Outdoor Classroom Day, organising a range of fun activities and learning experiences in nature. By engaging students in tasks such as nature walks, gardening, exploration, and outdoor games, they aim to foster an appreciation for the environment and enhance children's mental and physical wellbeing. Celebrated twice a year, Outdoor Classroom Day takes place on the first Thursday of November and May in the United Kingdom, providing an opportunity to enjoy the diverse natural beauty that the country has to offer.