Outdoor Lpfö 18 activities for Swedish preschools

The Lpfö 18 activities in Swedish preschools heavily emphasize outdoor exploration, Natural Science and Technology (Naturvetenskap och teknik), and ecological responsibility in the open air. This hands-on, nature-based learning approach, mandated by Skolverket (Sweden), encourages children to develop an intimate connection with their local ecosystem while building vital cognitive and motor skills.

In Sweden, outdoor play is a core component of the daily curriculum rather than a fair-weather treat. This philosophy is encapsulated in the Swedish adage that there is no bad weather, only bad clothing. By taking learning outside, the förskola provides a dynamic environment where children aged 2 to 6 can observe, experiment, and learn through direct contact with natural elements.

Nature walking and scientific observation

One of the most common Lpfö 18 lesson ideas involves structured forest walks where children act as young investigators. Instead of merely walking through the woods, children are encouraged to slow down and observe specific physical phenomena. This directly supports the Natural Science and Technology (Naturvetenskap och teknik) domain of the curriculum.

For instance, teachers can organize a seasonal treasure hunt where children look for signs of changing weather, such as decaying leaves, new buds, or animal tracks. Children use simple tools like magnifying glasses to inspect insects or bark patterns. These activities encourage Swedish nature learning by prompting children to ask questions about natural cycles, growth, and decay. Back in the classroom, these observations can be documented with drawings or clay models, linking outdoor experiences to Aesthetic Expressions (Estetiska uttrycksformer).

Simple physics and engineering with natural elements

Outdoor play spaces offer infinite opportunities for simple engineering and physics experiments. Children naturally experiment with forces, gravity, and materials when they build structures or play with water.

Educators can facilitate these interactions by providing open-ended challenges. For example, building a water canal system using gutter segments, wooden planks, and stones is a fantastic way to explore water flow, slope, and blockages. Similarly, building shelters from branches and logs teaches children about stability, balance, and spatial relationships. These Sweden outdoor play ideas promote problem-solving and collaboration, as children must work together to move heavy objects and design functional structures.

Ecological awareness and gardening

Fostering environmental responsibility is a key statutory requirement under Lpfö 18. Gardening and composting projects are highly effective ways to introduce these complex concepts in a concrete, age-appropriate manner.

Preschools often maintain small growing patches where children participate in planting seeds, watering crops, and harvesting vegetables. Children learn firsthand where food comes from and the care required to grow living things. To complete the cycle, children can assist in sorting organic waste and adding it to a school compost bin. Observing how food waste decomposes into rich soil over time provides a powerful, tactile lesson in natural recycling and sustainability.

Planning outdoor learning with structured support

While outdoor activities are largely child-led, thoughtful planning ensures that all curriculum areas are addressed. Combining open exploration with intentional, printable templates can enrich the learning process.

For educators seeking to structure these outdoor sessions, Superbuddy offers a complete library of digital resources, including outdoor lesson plans, tasksheets, and nature observation checklists. These materials are categorized under five pillars, such as Understanding the World, which aligns with the Swedish curriculum’s science goals. Teachers can access these templates via the Swedish curriculum portal and find printable assets on the browse page to supplement their nature walks and garden projects.