Nature
Nature provides a rich, dynamic environment that invites children to engage all their senses and abilities in playful exploration. Unlike structured indoor settings, natural spaces offer endless opportunities for imaginative play, discovery, and physical challenge. From climbing trees and balancing on rocks to chasing shadows and listening to bird songs, children’s interactions with nature are multifaceted and deeply beneficial.
Playing outdoors in natural environments stimulates physical development by encouraging varied movement patterns - crawling, jumping, running, and climbing - that build strength, coordination, and motor skills. These activities are vital for physical health and lay the groundwork for active lifestyles throughout life.
Beyond the physical, nature also nurtures mental and emotional wellbeing. Time spent outdoors has been shown to reduce stress, increase attention span, and boost mood. The sensory experiences of wind, sunlight, smells, and textures help calm the nervous system and encourage mindfulness. Nature’s unpredictability fosters problem-solving skills and resilience, as children learn to navigate changing terrain and situations during play.
Socially, natural play spaces promote collaboration and communication. Without rigid rules or pre-defined outcomes, children negotiate, cooperate, and invent games together — developing empathy, leadership, and conflict resolution skills. Nature also inspires creativity and imagination, providing a canvas for storytelling and role-play that enrich cognitive development.
By integrating play and nature, we create environments that support the whole child - physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. This holistic approach nurtures wellbeing and lays a foundation for lifelong health, joy, and connection with the world around us.
Research Supporting Nature & Play for Child Development
The scientific studies listed below provide valuable insights into the role of nature and play in supporting children’s physical, mental, and social development. Please note that many of these articles are published in academic journals and may require access through university libraries, institutional subscriptions, or interlibrary loan services. Even if full-text versions are not directly available online, abstracts and summaries can still provide useful information about the research findings.
The Benefits of Nature Experience: Improved Affect and Cognition
By Gregory N. Bratman et al., Landscape and Urban Planning (2015)
- This study shows that exposure to nature improves mood, reduces stress, and enhances cognitive function.
Children’s Outdoor Play and Its Influence on Physical and Mental Health: A Systematic Review
By Tanja G. Kyttä et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2020)
- A comprehensive review linking outdoor play in natural environments to increased physical activity, mental health, and social development.
Nature and Children’s Health: A Review of Evidence
By Frances E. Kuo, Advances in Child Development and Behavior (2015)
- Summarizes research on how natural environments contribute to better health, including reduced anxiety and improved attention.
The Role of Play in Early Childhood Development and Healthy Brain Growth
By Angeline S. Lillard et al., American Journal of Play (2017)
- Highlights play’s critical role in brain development and social skills.
Why Outdoor Play Matters
Report by The Outdoor Play and Learning Alliance (OPLA)
- Emphasizes nature’s importance for children’s learning, wellbeing, and social abilities.
Play, Nature and Children’s Wellbeing: A Systematic Review
By F. Brussoni et al., International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (2015)
- A systematic review connecting play, nature, and child health.