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Nature Play Week

YPRL Staff

26 March, 2021

Kids do better outside!

Nature play is all about getting kids connected to nature through play. It can be as simple as a trip to the park and letting the kids explore, jumping in puddles or a pile of leaves, watching bugs or ducks, drawing in the dirt, or collecting interesting rocks!

Unstructured, child-led exploration and creative play will build their confidence and their curiosity about the world.

Over the past decades our lives have moved increasingly indoors, with screen time replacing outdoor play. The health benefits of being out in green spaces are huge physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially, especially for kids! We instinctively know this, but in our hyperconnected and busy world, we all need to be reminded to slow down and engage with nature.

Kids generally love playing outside, but if they’re not used to it, they might need some guidance and you may want to create some deliberate play opportunities. Nature play is not about adults prescribing activities with rules and outcomes, but rather taking kids into nature and giving them the time, space, and freedom to discover, explore, and find wonder in the natural world. It encourages families to view the natural environment as a place to enjoy, play, relax, imagine, and explore.

Nature Play Week is a state-wide program facilitated by the Kids in Nature Network and supported by the Department of Health and Human Services. This year, it runs from April 14–25. Yarra Plenty Regional Library is taking part by creating nature play opportunities at all of our library branches during the school holidays.

Check out the great activities you can join in below:

Do you need some more inspiration to get out and play in nature with your kids?

Check out these great books for ideas:

About the Author

YPRL Staff

YPRL Staff

Updates from our staff.

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