The Benefits of Playing in Nature

Photo courtesy of Jessica de Vera Wells

If you know me then you’re likely familiar with my unofficial, personal tagline: “My children operate best when we’re outdoors.” It’s why our family can be most often found out of the house and within nature — hiking, swimming, beachcombing, exploring — and not just during the milder months. When we’re out in nature, we all seem to be a bit calmer, more playful, happier, more confident, and more adventurous. But don’t just take it from me. 

Jessica de Vera Wells is no stranger to being with children as they navigate, learn, and play in nature. As a mother to three and the founder of Farm Hands, a nature-based preschool and forestry homeschool program in Riverhead, Jessica witnesses first-hand the benefits of playing outdoors.

“Being outdoors and in an unstructured natural setting is where kids can discover more about themselves,” Jessica told us. “It can lend to creating their own play, thinking outside of the box, using materials in an imaginative way and really giving them the opportunity to take their ideas deeper. Outdoor play really has no downsides. Kids of all ages, all interests, all personalities, and all levels of comfort can benefit from outdoor play.”

In this Petite Institute feature, Jessica shares her opinion on the benefits of playing in nature.

Photo courtesy of Jessica da Vera Wells

Growing Physical Strength

“Unbeknownst to them, they are building their physical strength as their play will always include any or all of these physical challenges: climbing, walking on uneven surfaces, carrying their belongings, picking up and building with sticks, running, balancing, and testing their physical limits. This type of ‘risky play’ builds children's confidence over and over, builds their resilience as they learn to pick themselves up after a struggle, and strengthens their executive functioning and risk management skills as they navigate this world.”

Developing a Sense Of Calm

“Being outdoors and listening to the sounds of the weather, the animals, the silence, the sound of your movements, and the sound of your own voice as it travels can all bring a sense of calm that all children can benefit from. This calm energy gives kids the space to think, reflect, and dive deep into their ideas.”

Building Social Skills

“When playing with peers outdoors in nature, there is a desire to work together to create and build on a large scale, to cooperate and incorporate each other's ideas, and to challenge each other both physically and creatively.”

Fostering Resiliency 

“Resiliency is probably the most important reason to play outdoors. Resiliency comes from getting through tough experiences which only happen when you put yourself in situations where you are not successful 100% of the time, some level of struggle and discomfort are okay and necessary. All weather brings its challenges but when kids face the challenges, prepare for the challenges, and overcome the challenges, it solidifies the notion that they are strong, they can do hard things and they can enjoy doing hard things. Kids begin to assess situations they are in and ask themselves if they feel safe if they should adjust to make it safer, or if they can do more/go further and remain safe. Being told and taught that they can try something that might seem hard or unsafe when they use their strengths, and ask for some assistance if needed, but push through the struggle, find their footing, engage their balance, and foster a sense of I CAN DO THIS. Resilience carries over to all hard things that they encounter whether it be on a school assignment, a struggle at home, an argument with a peer, or self-doubt — they can carry this resilience with them to face this world where things are not perfect.”