Mass Audubon's Nature Play Days
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.
As a way to encourage everyone, adults and children, to get out and play in nature, Mass Audubon created Nature Play Days. Our team of enthusiastic educators developed a series of seasonal nature play ideas and activities, all of which can be done in your neighborhood, local park, or wildlife sanctuary!
SPRING
10 Spring Activities
10 Spring Activities
Put on some rainboots, head outside, and try 10 spring-themed activities. Download now >
NPD Videos
Nature Play Videos
Discover new ways to have fun outdoors while exploring the nature of each season! Start watching >
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 >
YE Activity Sheets
Activity Sheets
Investigate cool, seasonal nature topics with the help of our Activity Sheets. Go exploring >
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 >
Nature Smarts
Nature Smarts Workbooks
Mass Audubon's Nature Smarts Workbooks for ages 4–6 and 7–9 are packed with colorfully illustrated games, puzzles, mazes, and on-the-page activities to get children excited to learn about nature. Learn more >
Unlike traditional static playgrounds, Nature Play Areas give children the chance to use natural elements for unstructured exploration. Find one nearby >
Be a virtual naturalist! Discover something new about the outdoors with our Critter Cards. Collect 'em all >
Family NPD Programs
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!