Nature Play
Science has confirmed that spending time outdoors is good for our minds and bodies. But, sadly, children today spend less time outside than any other generation before them. We're here to change that.
While many visitors seek out Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries as places for quiet nature observation and active learning through education programs, we’ve recently added more ways for people to connect with nature by encouraging self-directed, informal play.
Unlike static, traditional playgrounds, Nature Play Areas give children the chance to solve problems and construct their surroundings through natural elements and unstructured exploration.
Wildlife Sanctuaries with Nature Play Areas
Unlike static, traditional playgrounds, Nature Play Areas give children the chance to solve problems and construct their surroundings through natural elements and unstructured exploration.
Metro West
Broadmoor, Natick
Drumlin Farm, Lincoln
Habitat, Belmont
Metro South
Moose Hill, Sharon
Museum of American Bird Art, Canton
Stony Brook, Norfolk
North Shore
Ipswich River, Topsfield
South East
North River, Marshfield
Oak Knoll, Attleboro
Boston
Boston Nature Center, Mattapan
West
Pleasant Valley, Lenox
Arcadia, Easthampton & Northampton
Cape Cod
Long Pasture, Barnstable
open except Tuesday-Thursday, 8 am-2 pm
Central Massachusetts
Broad Meadow Brook, Worcester
Wachusett Meadow, Princeton
Martha's Vineyard
Felix Neck, Edgartown
open weekends & after 3 pm weekdays
Nature Bingo
Nature Bingo
Print the cards and see who's first to find all 5 items in a row, column, or diagonally! Get all 4 cards >
Bring out the inner artist in your child (or yourself) with Mass Audubon's coloring pages! Get creative >
Play our mobile-friendly scavenger hunt with your family or challenge yourself! Start playing >
Why Nature Play Matters
Why Nature Play Matters
There are endless benefits to playing in the outdoors. Specifically, nature play:
Promotes a healthy, active lifestyle • Develops imagination, creativity, & invention • Allows a space for children to navigate risk & problem solving • Supports inquiry-based learning through curiosity & exploration • Provides opportunities to practice adaptability, flexibility, & resilience
And of course, when children are in nature, they find connections to the natural world. These connections are critical to creating the next generation of nature heroes!