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Nature Play and Natural Playgrounds

What is nature play?

Nature play is play that happens in and with nature. Nature play typically involves play with natural elements such as plants and trees, water, dirt, sand, and stones. Most often, nature play happens  outdoors, where children can feel the breezes, take in fresh air, observe the changes in weather and seasons, and feel the warmth of the sun on their skin. Nature play excites all of the senses with sights, sounds, textures, scents, tastes, and also with challenges to how the body moves in outdoor spaces. 

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Nature play and natural playgrounds

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Benefits of natural playgrounds

Benefits of natural playgrounds

  1. They help children to get acquainted with the local ecosystem

  2. They help children to appreciate and care for the natural world

  3. They help to reduce stress

  4. They help to focus attention

  5. They support active body movements in ways that cannot happen indoors

Webinars and white papers about play

a children's play area with children playing on the playground.

A Design Checklist for Success with Inclusive Playgrounds

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Corporate Content

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Sensory Play: The why, how and what of sensory stimulating playgrounds

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Play for the Planet: Redefining Outdoor Design to Minimize Carbon Footprint

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Families love thrilling and sensory playgrounds

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