Educators encouraged to embrace benefits of outdoor play during Nature Play Week

Running from 2 – 13 April 2025, Nature Play Week is championing the theme ‘Kids do better outside!’ and encouraging parents and educators to embrace the power of outdoor play.

“Unbridled, free play outdoors in nature has lasting positive effects on cognitive function, as well as physical, social, and mental well-being,” Professor Tonia Gray from Western Sydney University’s Centre for Educational Research and School of Education said.

The early years of childhood, she continued, are an influential time for supporting healthy development. Not only is childhood a period of rapid physical growth, but architectural change in the brain occurs as well.

“During this period, nature play provides children with unique opportunities to use their minds and bodies, imagination, curiosity and social skills without adult intervention,” she added.

Her research shows that free play outdoors in nature has long-lasting positive effects on cognitive function along with gains in physical, social and mental well-being. It also helps establish a child’s motor coordination, balance, agility, flexibility, and strength.

“When children participate in nature play, they generally interact with their peers’ building forts or teepees, or navigating logs across creek gullies. Nature play is a potent vehicle for children to develop crucial social skills like empathy, cooperation, and communication skills,” she said.

“Overcoming fear and challenges and exploring new adventurous environments in nature can bolster a child’s confidence and self-esteem. The unstructured nature of outdoor play encourages children to think independently and explore their surroundings freely by using curiosity and awe.”

Spending time in nature—especially immersed in nature play—can improve attention span, self-regulation, creativity, and problem-solving skills in children.

“Science consistently tells us that young children learn vital life skills through play, especially outdoor play which natural environments act as a driver for learning,” added Professor Gray.

“The benefits of nature play are cumulative and amassed over time, meaning that consistent exposure to nature over time, generates the most significant results.”

Learn more about Nature Play Week here.