The aim of this study was to explore lower secondary school students' experiences of using the school grounds as a learning environment. School grounds were used on a regular basis during two to three years, mainly in mathematics and German as a third language. Fourteen students were interviewed about their experiences. The way outdoor learning was implemented facilitated student-centred and cooperative learning, which was considered positive in terms of academic as well as emotional dimensions. Perceptions regarding on-task orientation were more varied, and included experiences of increased as well as decreased on-task orientation. Teachers' control could be poorer outdoors, resulting in a negative influence on on-task orientation. This study contributes to previous research on outdoor learning by focusing on regular school-based outdoor learning in a secondary school context.