Benefits of Nature Play: Raising Happy and Healthy Kids

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There are many benefits of nature play for children. Nature play seems to be a growing movement within the homeschool community. Inspired by books like 1000 Hours Outside, The Call of the Wild and Free, and Last Child Left in the Woods, parents seem to be preparing to battle the technology infused world with weapons like mud pies, fort building, family hikes and nature-based art.

Nature play, often referred to as outdoor or nature-based play, is a form of play that takes place in natural environments, such as forests, parks, beaches, and gardens. It involves children engaging in unstructured, imaginative, and physical activities in outdoor settings.

Let Kids Be Outside

Our beautiful world has so much to offer. Most kids naturally love the outdoors. They feel a sense of adventure when left to explore new parks or fields or even other people’s backyards. Children are curious about new animals or birds or insects, different rocks to climb and new water features. This natural experience is important for any healthy childhood.

Tell your children, “Go outside! You will feel better!” Spending time outdoors fosters a sense of connection to the natural world. In our busy times we have to have tools to find peace and serenity. Most of the time, fresh air and sunshine are the tools we need to reground ourselves. This is a lesson that even young kids can learn.

Let Kids Be Bored

Let your kids be “bored” outside. They will come up with something great. Nature play promotes imaginative and creative play. Children often invent their own games and stories inspired by the environment around them.

Let Kids Take Risks

It is good for kids to do things that are “hard.” I don’t help my kids climb trees or swing or climb. I want them to learn to evaluate a situation for danger and proceed accordingly. Nature play is really important because it involves a degree of risk-taking, such as climbing trees, balancing on logs, or crossing streams. These challenges help children develop physical and emotional resilience.

Let Kids Run

We want healthy, active, confident kids. Outdoor play naturally encourages physical activity, which is essential for children’s physical development and well-being. The best place for kids to be is outside.

Let Kids Explore

Kids are tactile learners and nature play offers so many opportunities to use their whole bodies. Nature play engages all the senses—sight, sound, touch, smell, and even taste—as children interact with the natural world.

Let Kids Play Independently

Nature play often involves minimal adult intervention. Children are encouraged to make decisions, solve problems, and take responsibility for their actions. I believe in letting my kids free play as much as possible. I don’t want them to always be looking for an adult to tell them what to play or do. Providing safe places outdoors is the key to learning this initiative and independence.

Let Kids Learn

Nature play is a natural science class. Children will learn about their surroundings and ask questions about the changing seasons, weather patterns, and the plants and and animals in their surroundings. Be ready with your nature guides!

Let Kids Have a Healthy Mind

Studies have shown that nature play has numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits for children, including reduced stress, improved concentration, and enhanced cognitive development. Intuitively, we don’t need a scientist to tell us this, but it is still a good reminder.