16mo–2.2y12 minOutdoorActive playFamily time
Levels & Surfaces Safari (Indoor/Outdoor)
A short ‘safari route’ where your child explores different levels and surfaces (indoors and/or outdoors) while carrying a small container—supporting safe stepping, balance, and controlled hand holding during movement.
What you'll need
Essentials
- a small bucket/basket/bag with a handle
- 3–6 safe ‘safari finds’ (e.g., socks, soft toys, pinecones/large leaves if outdoors)
- access to at least 3 different surfaces (e.g., carpet, smooth floor, grass/outdoor path)
Nice to have
- a cushion/low step (for a safe ‘level change’)
- a small cup and jug for a 30-second supervised pour at the end (tiny amount of water) + towel
- a small board/picture book for a calm page turn at the end
Movement level: mild
What you'll do
The 4-step guide, with what to look for at each step, is for signed-in parents.
What this develops
- MilestoneWalks steadily on ordinary groundBody· 16mo–19mo· core· Step 2
- MilestoneWalks independentlyBody· 15mo–20mo· stretch· Step 2
- MilestoneWalks upstairs with supportBody· 18mo–2.3y· core
- MilestoneDescends with adult helpBody· 2y–3y· stretch
- MilestoneStops when instructedHeart· 22mo–3y· core· Step 1
- MilestoneUnderstands simple spoken instructionsMind· 14mo–18mo· stretch· Step 1
- MilestoneIndependent page turningBody· 10mo–22mo· core· Step 4
- MilestoneEnjoys filling and emptying containers.Mind· 8mo–20mo· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneTurns pages one at a timeBody· 2y–2.5y· stretch· Step 4
- MilestoneUnderstands no or prohibitive wordsMind· 9mo–18mo· core· Step 1
What it practices
Where it comes from
- Source
- Development Matters in the EYFS (DfE, 2012)
- Original guidance
- “Plan opportunities for children to tackle a range of levels and surfaces including flat and hilly ground, grass, pebbles, asphalt, smooth floors and carpets.”
- License
- Open Government Licence v3.0
- Attribution
- © Crown Copyright 2012 (Development Matters in the EYFS, DfE)