Mass Audubon's Nature Play Days

The science is in. 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.

As a way to encourage everyone, adults and children, to get out and play in nature, Mass Audubon is launching Nature Play Days. Each season, our team of wildly enthusiastic educators will share nature play ideas and activities, all of which can be done in your neighborhood, local park, or wildlife sanctuary!

Why Nature Play Matters

There are endless benefits to playing in the outdoors. Specifically, nature play:

• Promotes a healthy, active lifestyle 
• Develops imagination, creativity, and invention 
• Allows a space for children to navigate risk and problem solving 
• Supports inquiry-based learning through curiosity and exploration 
• Provides opportunities to practice adaptability, flexibility, and 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!