Conference Highlight: “Let’s Go Outside, Tiny Feet, Big Adventures” at the 2025 ITSN Conference

Conference Highlight: “Let’s Go Outside, Tiny Feet, Big Adventures” at the 2025 ITSN Conference

The 2025 Infant Toddler Specialist Network (ITSN) Conference was filled with inspiration, innovation, and a whole lot of outdoor fun—especially during the hands-on session “Let’s Go Outside: Tiny Feet, Big Adventures” led by the Alabama Healthy Kids, Healthy Future Team.

This dynamic session brought outdoor learning to life in a way that truly resonated with early childhood professionals. Participants were grouped into teams and given an assortment of low-cost, recyclable “loose parts”—think pool noodles, cardboard boxes, cones, plastic bottles, and fabric. With these simple materials, each team was challenged to design a unique obstacle course suitable for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers that could be used in outdoor active play fun. Educators showed their creativity as they transformed everyday items into tunnels, balance beams, and imaginative play zones.

Once the obstacle courses were built, the real fun began—participants took turns racing through each other’s designs. Laughter echoed throughout the Bryant Conference Center as professionals tapped into their inner child, navigating playful challenges with energy and excitement. It was more than just fun; it was a powerful reminder of the joy and developmental benefits that outdoor play can bring to young children.

The activity not only sparked creativity but also equipped attendees with a low-cost, high-impact idea they could bring back to their programs. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants sharing that they felt inspired and empowered to reimagine their outdoor spaces—no expensive equipment required. 

Alabama Healthy Kids, Healthy Future’s session stood out as a vibrant example of how interactive, evidence-based practices can help educators support physical, social, and emotional development through outdoor learning. By providing tools, strategies, and a healthy dose of play, “Let’s Go Outside: Tiny Feet, Big Adventures” gave early childhood professionals activities that they could use right away in their outdoor play time—highlighting the potential for fun, developmentally appropriate learning experiences they can add to their outdoor environment.

*Alabama Healthy Kids, Healthy Future would like to thank the Alabama Department of Human Resources for their generous support with making this training session possible.