There’s a growing body of research showing that nature is good for children’s health—physically, mentally, and developmentally. When children spend time outdoors, they move more, explore more, and gain a wide range of benefits from both the activity and the natural environment itself.
Pediatrician & Researcher, Seattle Children’s Hospital
Nature Forward
Nature Ninos Prescott
Growing Minds, Attentive Learners
Cognitive Development
Research shows that the more time children spend playing and learning in nature-rich places, the more they strengthen key skills like attention, curiosity, and emotional regulation, which set them up for success in school and beyond.
Seattle PlayGarden
Nature Forward
Kinder, Calmer Kids
Social Emotional Development
When children play and learn outside, they tend to feel happier, calmer, and more focused. Nature gives them chances to cooperate with peers, build strong relationships, work together to solve problems, and practice kindness toward all living things.
A Safe Place Child Enrichment Center
A Safe Place Child Enrichment Center
Curious Explorers with Caring Hearts
Environmental Literacy Development
As young children spend time playing and learning outdoors–especially with supportive adults–they begin to notice patterns in nature, develop curiosity about plants and animals, and ask questions about things around them. As they become more familiar with nature, they may become motivated to protect it.
The Eagle's Nest Play to Learn Center
Jenny Hanlon
Active Children, Healthy Habits
Physical Development
Playing and learning outside boosts children’s physical health, strengthens their immune systems, supports good sleep, and reduces stress—all while helping them develop healthy lifelong habits.
Cedarville Global Community School
Urban Sprouts Child Development Center
Confident Communicators
Language & Literacy Development
When playing outside, children naturally use more descriptive, imaginative, and cooperative words than they do indoors, strengthening language skills that are foundational to their overall wellbeing, relationships, and academic success.
Early Childhood eeWORKS
Researchers at Stanford University compiled years of research to understand how nature-based learning in early childhood affects children's development. They found positive impacts in multiple areas of child development, which we've represented above.