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!
WINTER
10 Winter Activities
NPD Videos
Nature Play Videos
Discover new ways to have fun outdoors! New winter videos every few weeks. Start watching >
Winter 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 >
Young Explorers
Young Explorers in Winter
Investigate specific, seasonal nature topics with the help of our Activity Sheets. Explore topics >
Play our mobile-friendly scavenger hunt with your family or challenge yourself! Start playing >
Nature Play Infographic
Creating Nature Champions
Our friends at the Children & Nature Network outline how nature play leads to caring for the environment.
Unlike traditional static playgrounds, Nature Play Areas give children the chance to use natural elements for unstructured exploration. Find one nearby >