Outdoor Play

Nature play is important for infants, toddlers, preschoolers, families, staff, and communities. Watch this video series, and apply the resources to plan successful nature-based activities.

By incorporating these 10 tips, you will create a beautiful and welcoming atmosphere for family and community members, and educators to enjoy their time outdoors and to be active participants in the play space.

With a few easy-to-find materials and willing volunteers, many settings and elements can be created to greatly improve children's spaces.

This tool helps to identify the strengths and needs of an existing play space and serves as a basis for setting priorities and planning enhancements and improvements.

Early Head Start teachers and home visitors may use this resource to set up spaces for families using community resources such as parks, gardens, and nearby schools.

The News You Can Use supports teachers, home visitors, and parents in providing quality care for infants and toddlers. Learn about planning for time spent outside with infants and toddlers in your program. 

Research shows young children are spending less time outdoors engaging in active play and exploring the natural world. This trend has significant adverse effects on young children's health and development.

Explore four benefits of outdoor play and exploration for infants and toddlers: improved health; strengthened development and learning; connection to nature; and extended curriculum.

Learn about the health benefits infants and toddlers gain from spending time outdoors.