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Outdoor Learning

Bring learning outdoors with Kaplan’s outdoor learning collection. From garden kits to active play and exploration tools, these durable, child-friendly resources encourage creativity, discovery, and skill-building through hands-on experiences in natural environments.

Weaving Ribbons - Set of 25
Item: 300532
Status: In Stock
$13.95
Add more materials to your arts and crafts corner with these assorted fabric-weaving ribbons. These bright-colored ribbons come in a variety of fabrics. This set promotes sensory experiences, fine motor development, and more. Set of 25. Each measures 1 yard with assorted widths. Ribbon styles may vary. Use with the Outdoor Weaving Frame, 70678.
Fubbles Fun-Finiti Bubble Machine
Item: 300338
Status: In Stock
$19.95
3 years & up. Turn playtime into active fun with the Fubbles Fun-Finiti Bubble Machine! This machine produces a steady stream of non-toxic bubbles for over an hour, creating lively play that delights little ones. The included bubble concentrate makes enough solution to start bubbling right away, while the no-spill design helps minimize mess and maximize play time. When children run, chase, and burst bubbles, they are not just having fun; they are developing important early skills. As bubbles float and drift, children practice tracking objects with their eyes, improving hand-eye coordination by reaching or popping bubbles, and build gross motor skills through walking, running, and jumping to catch them. Watching the bubbles rise and fall supports visual tracking and focus, helping little ones sharpen their attention and visual perception. Whether played outdoors or inside, the Fubbles Bubble Machine offers safe, easy cleanup and endless opportunities for active, imaginative play.
Critter Barn
Item: 300225
Status: In Stock
$24.95
The Critter Barn habitat is perfect for outdoor discovery activities. Children will love using this safe case for catching butterflies, caterpillars, beetles, or small animals to bring inside for observation during a science lesson. Built in light for day and night use plus a built in magnifier makes watching critters fun.  The lid is ventilated and can hold water. 3 button cell batteries included.
Plastic Binoculars
Item: 46931
Status: In Stock
$14.95
3 years & up. Take your observations outside with these durable Outdoor Discovery and Exploration Adventure Plastic Binoculars. These portable 6X binoculars feature an adjustable focus dial and clip on strap. Children will love bird watching and discovering cool little critters outside. These binoculars encourage exploration, imagination, and outdoor activity. Color may vary. 1.38"D lenses.
Sweet Basil Seeds 3-Pack
Item: 32857
Status: In Stock
$10.95
Basil is one of the most popular herbs in the world, it is also used in cosmetics and medicine. Pinch flowers off to preserve plants. Germination within 10-21 days. Three packs of Basil seeds are 200 mg each.
Cilantro Seeds 3-Pack
Item: 32856
Status: In Stock
$10.95
Cilantro attracts beneficial insects, and repels harmful insects. An extremely flavorful herb. Germination within 7-14 days. Three packs of Cilantro seeds are 240 mg each.
Organic Green Bean
Item: 62332
Status: In Stock
$8.95
4 years & up. This earth-friendly kit gets children ready to garden with components that are all certified organic. The plant is quick to sprout, easy to grow, and will produce their harvest early on compact plants. Sprout inside, and then plant the whole pot in the ground when it's ready -- no waste! Each kit includes a coconut coir pot, a corn-based germination bag, seeds, a peat disk, and informative instructions.
Beefsteak Tomato Seeds 3-Pack
Item: 32859
Status: In Stock
$10.95
Beefsteak Tomatoes are huge slicing tomatoes. Tomatoes are the world's most popular fruit and they are 95% water. Germination within 7-14 days. Three packs of Beefsteak Tomato seeds are 125 mg each.
Sweet Bell Pepper Seeds 3-Pack
Item: 32860
Status: In Stock
$10.95
Sweet Bell Peppers are one of the most common vegetables grown in home gardens. They are delicous eaten fresh or cooked. Germination within 10-21 days. Three packs of Sweet Bell Pepper seeds are 12 mg each.
Seed Stones - Bird & Butterfly Mix
Item: 303277
Status: In Stock
$7.95
Seed stones make growing plants easy and fun for young learners! Each clay "stone" is designed to protect the seeds inside from birds, insects, and other animals. When placed in soil and watered, the clay absorbs and holds moisture, creating the perfect environment for seeds to sprout and grow. Children can plant them in a garden, pot, or outdoor space and watch as beautiful flowers bloom and attract butterflies and hummingbirds! This hands-on activity encourages curiosity, responsibility, and an early love for nature while introducing basic gardening concepts in a simple, engaging way. Set includes 6 seed stones.
Long Handle Garden Tools - Set of 3
Item: 37592P
Status: In Stock
$10.95 - $30.95
3 years & up. Inspire hands-on lerning with this child-sized long handle garden tool set. Designed with young learners in mind, each tool features a sturdy wooden handle and durable metal head, perfect for digging, raking, and exploring the natural world. The longer length allows children to comfortably participate in real gardening activities alongside adults, encouraging independence. Ideal for outdoor classrooms, nature-based learning, and backyard exploration, this set supports physical development while fostering curiosity about plants and the environment. These tools are a reliable addition to any early childhood outdoor learning space. Includes shovel, soil rake, and leaf rake. Available individually or as a set. Each tool measures approximately 33" tall. Color may vary.
See Options for Long Handle Garden Tools - Set of 3
Color Chalk in Assorted Colors
Item: 302365P
Status: In Stock
$11.95 - $34.95
3 years & up. Bring creativity outdoors with these Sidewalk Chalk Sets! Featuring bright, bold colors and a new anti-roll shape, these chalk sticks are perfect for drawing both fine lines and broad strokes. Sized just right for small hands, this washable chalk lets children decorate sidewalks, driveways, and playgrounds with ease. It's a fun way to encourage color recognition, creativity, and outdoor play.
See Options for Color Chalk in Assorted Colors
Kaplan Vinyl Splash Mat 48" x 36"
Item: 302355
Status: In Stock
$12.95
Prevent big messes with this Vinyl Kaplan Splash Mat. With this mat, children can mix, splash, and splatter without the big clean up. This durable vinyl mat is easy to clean and protects floors, carpets and furniture surfaces from accidental spills. This mat is a must under your easels, drying racks and even your sand and water tables. Measures 48"L x 36"W. Colors may vary.
Binoculars
Item: 302410
Status: In Stock
$12.95
2 years & up. Take outdoor adventures to a new level with these durable, adjustable binoculars. Adjustable magnification and comfortable, flexible eye pieces make these child-sized binoculars the ultimate companion for outdoor exploration. Measures 4.375"W x 3.75"L.
Jumbo Chalk - Set of 5
Item: 302517
Status: In Stock
$4.95
3 years & up. Create big, bold art outdoors with this Jumbo Chalk - Set of 5! These oversized chalk sticks are easy for little hands to grip, making them perfect for sidewalk art, hopscotch, and creative outdoor play. Each stick features a smooth texture that glides easily across pavement, driveways, and sidewalks, leaving bright, colorful marks that wash away easily with water. Encourage children to explore colors, express creativity, and develop fine motor skills while having fun outside! Includes: 5 jumbo chalk sticks in purple, red, blue, green, and yellow. Measures 7.5"H x 2"D.
Bubble Solution with Wand 64 oz.
Item: 302604
Status: In Stock
$13.95
3 years & up. Jumbo 64 oz. size. Create huge, long-lasting bubbles with the included wand, or use to refill your other bubble toys. Fubbles Bubbles contain no dyes, are non-toxic, and meet all federal and state safety standards, so you can feel confident they're safe and fun for kids to enjoy. Bottle colors may vary.
Playground Ball
Item: 1907P
Status: In Stock
$8.95 - $21.95
2 years & up. These durable all-rubber balls are perfect for promoting gross motor functions, hand-eye coordination, and collaborative play. Children will enjoy playing games such as four corners, kickball, hot potato, and more! Encourage your children to practice their throwing and catching skills with these classic 2-ply balls. Available separately in five different sizes: 7", 8.5", 10" 13", and 16".
See Options for Playground Ball
Balancing Paddle and Ball Set - 8 Pieces
Item: 91074
Status: In Stock
$22.95
3 years & up. Get children moving, balancing, and building coordination with the Balancing Paddle and Ball Set. This 8-piece set encourages children to balance balls on paddles while walking, turning, or navigating simple obstacle courses. As they play, children develop essential skills like hand-eye coordination, color recognition, focus, and body control. Perfect for indoor or outdoor use, this set supports both independent play and group activities, making it a versatile addition to classrooms. Designed with young learners in mind, the paddles are easy to grip and sized appropriately for small hands, allowing children to succeed while being challenged. Set includes four paddles and four balls in four colors.
Let's Take It Outside! - Paperback
Item: 26123
Status: In Stock
$19.95
Children love outdoor play. Now teachers can combine the magic and excitement of the outdoors with activities that encourage and support learning! This book includes more than 100 new teacher-created, classroom-tested outdoor activities that engage children's minds and bodies as much as they explore the limitless bounds of the outdoors while also building key skills in areas like math, literacy and language, science, art, and music. Perfect for ages 3 - 6. Activities include: counting, alphabet, colors, shapes, art, touch, sound and sight, plants and gardening, bubbles and air, light and shadow, animals and insects, dramatic play, and large motor skills. 144 pages. Paperback.
Seasons of Play: Natural Environments of Wonder - Paperback
Item: 81316
Status: In Stock
$19.95
Recent research has drawn the link between children's brain development and time spent in the natural environment. Every child deserves a safe play to play, supportive adults to watch him grow, and an environment that offers them endless possibilities. In "Seasons of Play," Rusty Keeler takes readers on a photographic journey through real child care centers that have embraced his philosophy that natural play environments create new opportunities for children to explore and grow. This book illustrates how to design natural play environments that encourage exploration and creativity in all seasons of the year. Keeler's own drawings complement the photos with renderings of how the play spaces were designed. Interviews with center directors add a personal touch to how the spaces improve learning at the centers. Paperback. 216 pages.
Sand and Water Play Book: Simple, Creative Activities for Young Children - Paperback
Item: 97734
Status: In Stock
$12.95
Packed with more than 70 ways to invigorate play with sand and water tables while encouraging problem solving skills, fine and gross motor creativity, and imagination. Children will learn creative ways to explore and discover on their own!
Additional Scoring Protocols Preschool Outdoor Environment Measurement Scale - Set of 10
Item: 39503
Status: In Stock
$11.95
Easily evaluate the quality of outdoor environments with this helpful and convenient Additional Scoring Protocols Preschool Outdoor Environment Measurement Scale. This tool is great for use in assessing the quality of early childhood outdoor environments. This POEMS scale can also be used as a design and planning guide for teachers and administrators. Set of 10.
Bilingual Color Beanbags - Set of 8
Item: 46495
Status: In Stock
$22.95
All ages. This set of beanbags is great for combining gross motor skills and language skills. Encourage your children to identify the colors of the beanbags as they play and help them gain confidence in their color recognition skills. Includes 8 bold colors. Beanbags are bilingual with English on one side, and Spanish on the other side. Each beanbag measures 4"L x 4"W.
Preschool Outdoor Environment Measurement Scale - POEMS
Item: 39502
Status: In Stock
$24.95
Designed as a self-study, this scale is intended to raise the quality of outdoor children's environments and promote their use in teaching, research, and practice. Includes a user guide, the scale and scoring protocol, reliability and validity information, and a technical assistance manual for program improvement and planning. Addresses environments for children age 3-5 years. (Additional Scoring Protocols sold separately.)