Mom, toddler, and dad looking at something found in the grass.

Family Fun

Science has confirmed that spending time outdoors is good for our minds and bodies. Sadly, children today spend less time outside than any other generation before them. We're here to change that.

There are endless benefits to playing outdoors, including promoting an active lifestyle; developing imagination, creativity, and invention; and allowing space for children to navigate risk and problem solve. Next time you’re outdoors with your family, we invite you to ask questions, investigate your surroundings, and play outside—together.

Kids in winter coats climbing rocks in a nature play area — Nature Play Area at Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary in Sharon

Nature Play Areas

These unique spaces give children the chance to play, learn, and solve problems using unstructured nature exploration.

Find a Nature Play Area

Nature Activities for Kids

Explore Virtually with Nature Play Days

Nature Play Days: Build a Bird Nest

Bird nests are amazing feats of engineering! Pretend to be a bird and make a “nest” for you and your friends.
Nature Play Days: Build a Shelter

Use your imagination to create a structure that can be used for whatever you want it to be.
Nature Play Days: Go Ponding

Grab your boots or old sneakers, a shallow container to hold what you find, and your crackerjack observation skills to look for creatures in the water.
Nature Play Days: Leaf Pressing and Collage

Explore your outdoor space collecting leaves, flowers, or other plants to bring home and create a beautiful natural collage!
Nature Play Days: Paint Snow

Fresh snow is the perfect backdrop for some snow painting. You can draw, spray, or squirt different colors to make messages, colorful scenes, or even animals.
Nature Play Days: Snow Sculptures For the Birds

Provide a special treat for the birds and other wildlife by creating a snow sculpture and some easy-to-make snacks using fruits, seeds, and popcorn.
Nature Play Days: Tracks in Snow, Sand, or Mud

Explore your neighborhood, local park, or a nearby wildlife sanctuary to look for animal tracks in the snow, mud, or sand. Get creative making your own track patterns.
Nature Play Days: Mud Pit

Grab a container of water and a small shovel or sturdy stick then dig and mix water in the pit to get the mud to the right consistency.
Nature Play Days: Build a Magical House

Use your imagination and found natural materials to create a miniature world for forest fairies, gnomes, mice, and more to explore!