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Children build simple binoculars then head outside to search for hidden animals or natural treasures.

Take a slow, mindful walk through nature and use your senses to notice trees, animals, plants, and other natural elements.

By listening, testing, and learning alongside families and educators, we’ve built a collection of practical, research-backed resources that help make outdoor play and learning part of everyday life.

When children play and learn outside, we all benefit: children thrive, families grow closer, and educators are empowered.

Explore natural materials with your sense of touch and practice using descriptive words.

Take a walk—or find a quiet place to sit—and listen to the sounds of nature.

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.

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.

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.

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 academic success.