Summer in the nursery setting is full of opportunity, but it can also bring extra pressure. Staff are juggling holidays, routines are shifting, and the energy of little learners needs thoughtful direction. That’s where simple, effective summer ideas can make all the difference. We’ve pulled together 7 low-prep, high-impact activities that bring joy and learning without draining your team’s energy or planning time.
Nature Treasure Hunts
A classic summer favourite. Give children a simple list of items to find outdoors. A feather, a yellow flower, something smooth, something rough. It supports early language, exploration, and sensory play while requiring minimal prep.
Summer Water Play with a Twist
Set up themed water stations: ice cubes and animals for “Arctic rescue”, coloured water for potion-making, or funnels and pipes for STEM fun. Rotating simple props keeps interest high, without needing to overhaul your resources each day.
Shadow Drawing
Take advantage of sunny days by placing toys or natural objects on paper and letting children trace their shadows. It’s a great mix of creativity and early science, and all you need is paper, pens, and the sun.
Summer Storytime Outdoors
Move your usual story sessions outside. A rug and a few favourite books can transform the reading experience. Bonus points for themed props or role play that builds on the story, but even without, the change of scene works wonders.
Stone Decorating (Join the #ShootsTrainingSummerStones!)
Invite children to decorate stones and hide them around your local area as part of our #ShootsStones campaign. It’s a brilliant community activity that encourages creativity, teamwork and outdoor fun, with a national connection to other nurseries doing the same!
Summer doesn’t have to mean stretched staff and over-complicated plans. With these low-prep ideas, you can keep learning exciting, environments calm, and activities more sustainable by using natural resources and simple, reusable materials.
It’s also the perfect time to ease the pressure of the autumn term by bringing in an apprentice now. Giving you time to embed them into your team before the September rush. Check out our apprenticeships HERE
At Shoots Training, we’re here to help you protect your team’s energy, support high-quality early years practice, and plan with confidence.
Want more tips or a summer-ready apprentice to support your setting? Let’s chat.