Nature Play the new buzzword!

Every time we give our children an opportunity to access nature, we're improving their physical and emotional wellbeing. Importantly, we are also building our connections with each other. Nature Play SA give us their top tips for engaging children in nature.

WORDS: Sarah Sutter, CE Nature Play SA
IMAGES: Jason Tyndall, Nature Play SA

The words “nature play” are undoubtedly becoming a buzzword in the SA community. We’re hearing more and more about the importance of nature play for children because we know they are spending less time outside than ever before. Our children’s lives have hectic schedules, structured activities, rules, regulations, and constantly evolving technology.

how to engage kids in nature

Endless possibilities to learn and grow

The concept of nature play is for children to have the opportunity to play freely in natural environments. Play in nature provides endless possibilities for them to learn, grow, engage their full senses, develop gross motor skills, take risks, regulate emotions, and use their imagination.

As a society, we now realise that we need to make positive changes for our children. Part of this shift is bringing nature back into their lives. We see this happening with the increasing number of nature play spaces in schools and local councils and parents’ understanding of the importance of outdoor play. In addition, more and more research is validating the benefits of children spending time with nature.

nature play sa

Building connections

Every time we give our children an opportunity to access nature, we’re improving their physical and emotional wellbeing. Importantly, we are also building our connections with each other.

Nature Play SA’S top tips for engaging children in nature: 

  • Schedule time to help make it a priority
  • Remember that play should be a sensory activity – getting dirty is a good thing!
  • Encourage free and independent play
  • Make visiting natural spaces a regular thing (try National Parks, beaches, and other wild places)
  • Role model nurturing values and behaviours towards nature.

For more information:

natureplaysa.org.au

You may also like

Cover art for Opal Wonders series.

Opal Wonders: A colourful new way to learn about the past

For many of us, a love of history starts not in a classroom, but in a conversation—with a grandparent, a neighbour, or a family friend who shares a story that sparks curiosity. That very idea is at the heart of Opal Wonders, a new five-part animated video series designed for students in Reception to Year 2.

Read More
Two women stand beside a pink banner, smiling and engaging with the audience at an event.

Brighter futures for SA’s young carers

Being a young carer is no small job — and now, thanks to a new partnership between Young Carers SA and national not-for-profit Raise, South Aussie kids aged 13 to 16 who look after family members can access free, expert online mentoring to help them feel supported and seen.

Read More
A man and a boy stand together in front of a school, smiling and enjoying their time outdoors.

Leaps and bounds: Reuben’s inspirational story

When Reuben first began at Christian Brothers College in Reception, he was shy and unsure, with only a few basic words to communicate. Today, he walks through the Junior Campus with confidence – smiling, laughing, and signing with friends and staff who have shared in his remarkable journey.

Read More