What is nature play?

"Nature play" is a form of play that happens in and within nature. It also involves playing with natural elements such as plants, trees, water, sand, stones, and even dirt. Children are able to feel the breezes, take in the fresh air, observe seasonal changes, and feel the warmth of the sun on their skin. Nature play also has the ability to excite their senses through beautiful sights, sounds, textures, and scents.

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Nature play and natural playgrounds

Benefits of natural playgrounds

Benefits of natural playgrounds

  1. Children have the opportunity to get acquainted with the local ecosystem

  2. Children can learn to appreciate and care for the natural world around them

  3. The natural environment and playgrounds help reduce stress

  4. The natural environment and playgrounds help focus attention

  5. The natural environment and playgrounds support active body movement in unique ways

The Research Around Play | Webinars & White Papers

Mastery through make-believe play

Play Value - The Influence of Playground Equipment

The risk-benefit equation of challenging playgrounds

Energy expenditure on a KOMPAN school age playground

Innovative products - The key to more play

The more thrilling playground

a children's play area with children playing on the playground.

A Design Checklist for Success with Inclusive Playgrounds

truly inclusive section

Truly inclusive - the reward of thrill in universal play designs

Play value increases with sensory play

Unique Play Designs - Increase play duration

6 tips to dramatic play outdoors

A couple of girls climbing on KOMPAN play equipment.

Climbing activates tween girls - How to increase tween girls' physical activity

More play and no conflicts

Play for All - Universal Designs for Inclusive Playgrounds

Adventurous children climbing over natural playground structures

8 ways to encourage nature play in playgrounds

Sensory play: The why, how and what of sensory stimulating playgrounds

Physical Activity Among Preschool Children

Unleashing Creativity: Building Unique Playgrounds with KOMPAN Design Studio

Excited children playing on an inclusive playground

A Design Checklist for Success with Inclusive Playgrounds

Tweens love playgrounds

The cover of a book about playground equipment

Families love thrilling and sensory playgrounds

Intrigued children participating in sensory play on a playground

Sensory Play: Science behind child wellbeing in playgrounds

Tweens love playgrounds: 5 new science-based practice tips for school playground design

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