All Activities
Make an animation outdoors

Make an animation outdoors
Green highlight

Make a stop-motion animation outdoors using a smartphone or camera, natural props, and simple frame-by-frame movements to tell a short story.

Orange shooting star
Download Guide
Collect Badge
Background blob
Challenge Image
Skill Badge
Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to make a stop-motion animation outdoors

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How To Create Kids Animation Learning Videos Using CANVA For Beginners (FULL TUTORIAL)

What you need
Adult supervision required, modeling clay or playdough, natural props such as leaves sticks stones flowers acorns, small flat board or large flat rock, small notebook and pencil

Step 1

Think of a very short story in one sentence about your outdoor characters or object.

Step 2

Draw a simple 3-panel storyboard in your notebook showing the beginning middle and end.

Step 3

Choose a flat outdoor spot with steady light to set up your scene.

Step 4

Gather small natural props you will use for characters and scenery.

Step 5

Put the small flat board or large rock down to be your stop-motion stage.

Step 6

Arrange the starting scene on the board using your natural props.

Step 7

Use small bits of modeling clay or playdough to anchor characters so they stand steady.

Step 8

Place your smartphone or camera on a stable surface or rock so the lens points at the whole board.

Step 9

Set the camera to photo mode and turn on a timer or use a remote shutter if you have one.

Step 10

Take the first photo of your starting scene.

Step 11

Move one prop a tiny bit following your storyboard then take another photo and repeat this move-and-photo cycle until your story is finished.

Step 12

Use a stop-motion app or simple video editor to turn your photos into a short video at about 6–10 frames per second and save the video.

Step 13

Share your finished stop-motion animation on DIY.org

Final steps

You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!

Complete & Share
Challenge badge placeholder
Challenge badge

Help!?

What can we use instead of a small flat board, modeling clay, or a remote shutter if we can't find them?

Use a sturdy piece of cardboard or a shoebox lid as the stop-motion stage, rolled tin foil or a pebble stack to anchor characters instead of modeling clay, and your phone's self-timer or Bluetooth earbuds as a remote shutter.

My camera moves and my characters topple during the shoot—what should I check and fix?

Make sure your smartphone is placed on a stable surface or rock as in step 7, reinforce characters with extra modeling clay or thicker playdough per step 6, and use the timer or remote so you avoid touching the camera during the move-and-photo cycle.

How can I adapt the activity for different ages?

For preschoolers keep the story to one sentence and do three big moves with adult help anchoring clay, for early elementary have them draw the 3-panel storyboard and move props themselves, and for older kids do finer frame-by-frame moves at 6–10 fps and edit in a stop-motion app before sharing on DIY.org.

How can we make the final stop-motion more creative or polished?

Attach a paper backdrop behind the board, decorate or label natural props for character detail, record voices or outdoor sounds to add in a stop-motion app, and increase frames per second slightly for smoother motion before saving and sharing the video on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to make a stop-motion animation outdoors

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

🎬 How to Create a 3D Animated Video for Kids Using Just ONE App! (No Watermark!) 🎨✨

4 Videos

Facts about stop-motion animation for kids

⏱️ Shooting around 12 frames per second often looks smooth while cutting the number of photos compared to 24 fps.

🎬 Famous stop-motion films include The Nightmare Before Christmas and Coraline — big stories made from tiny moves!

📱 Many smartphones can shoot burst photos or time-lapse, which makes capturing frame-by-frame shots super easy.

🎥 Stop-motion has been used since the early 1900s to create magical special effects in films.

🍃 Using natural props like leaves, stones, and twigs makes your set eco-friendly and one-of-a-kind.

How do I make a stop-motion animation outdoors with my smartphone?

Start by planning a simple three-act story and sketching a shot list. Choose a well-lit outdoor spot and set your smartphone or camera on a tripod or stable surface. Lock focus/exposure if possible. Place natural props and take one photo, move props a tiny amount, then take the next—repeat until your scene is complete. Use a stop-motion app or video editor to assemble frames at about 10–12 frames per second, trim, add sound effects or music, and export.

What materials do I need to make an outdoor stop-motion animation?

You'll need a smartphone or camera, tripod or steady surface, and a stop-motion app or video editor. Collect natural props like leaves, stones, sticks, flowers, and small toys. Bring small clamps, reusable adhesive putty, tweezers, and a zip bag for props. Extra: a power bank, sunshade, lens cleaner, and headphones for editing. Optional: a simple reflector or white card to control light. Keep the gear lightweight for outdoor use.

What ages is outdoor stop-motion animation suitable for?

Suitable ages: This activity works for preschoolers through teens with age-appropriate support. Ages 4–6 enjoy setting props and pressing the shutter with adult help because they have shorter attention spans. Ages 7–10 can plan short stories and handle small movements with supervision. Ages 11+ can storyboard, edit, and add sound independently. Always supervise younger children around loose natural parts and camera equipment to prevent choking or damage.

What safety tips should I follow when making stop-motion outdoors?

Safety tips: Choose a flat, dry area and watch for tripping hazards like roots or rocks. Use sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent; keep children hydrated. Supervise handling of small props—avoid anything that could be a choking risk for young children. Keep electronics secure on straps or tripods and protect them from moisture and sand. Respect nature: don’t pick protected plants or disturb wildlife. Check weather and have a first-aid kit and phone signal plan before you start.
DIY Yeti Character
Join Frame
Flying Text Box

One subscription, many ways to play and learn.

Try for free

Only $6.99 after trial. No credit card required

To create a safe space for kid creators worldwide!

Discovery Tools

DIY Wiki

DIY TV

Creativity Tools

How to draw

Teacher Tools

SafeTube

DIY Blog

2025, URSOR LIMITED. All rights reserved. DIY is in no way affiliated with Minecraft™, Mojang, Microsoft, Roblox™ or YouTube. LEGO® is a trademark of the LEGO® Group which does not sponsor, endorse or authorize this website or event. Made with love in San Francisco.