Messy play is a great way to experience natural elements with all the senses. Help children explore textures, sounds, and smells of materials. Make a mud puddle outside for children to splash in; use a sensory table to splash, scoop, and pour water; and more!
Invite children to go on an adventure to find bugs on your outdoor area, backyard, or local playground. Ask children where they think they will find insects — always following their lead in the shared exploration.
Take a nature walk and roll! Children and adults might be walking or rolling around in a stroller, buggy, or wheelchair. All ways of moving are wonderful, and we encourage choosing a pathway that works for everyone.
Outdoor play supports infant and toddler health, development, and learning. Explore strategies and standards for strengthening young children's connection to the outdoors while keeping them safe.
Learn about benefits of outdoor time for infants and toddlers. Find suggestions for creating outdoor play spaces, safety considerations, and strategies and policies to support quality infant-toddler programming.
Use this News You Can Use to spark creative ideas for natural items that can be used inside with young children.
Learn how to use the natural world as a learning tool to improve outcomes for young children in your center.
Nature play is important for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, families, staff, and communities. Watch this video series, and apply the resources to plan successful nature-based activities.
Learn how to use ideas from nature to teach language and literacy in the classroom.
Find out how to use the natural world as a learning tool to improve outcomes for young children in your classroom.