Play in Nature Boosts Brain Development in Babies and Toddlers

As the days get longer and the temperatures warm up, there’s no better time to head outside with your little one. Whether you’re in a backyard, a park, or just strolling through the neighborhood, outdoor play is more than just a way to burn off energy—it’s a powerful tool for supporting your child’s brain development.

Between the ages of birth and five, a child’s brain is developing at an incredible pace. During this time, their daily experiences literally shape the architecture of the brain. Outdoor environments offer unique, sensory-rich experiences that indoor spaces can’t always replicate. From the breeze on their skin to the birdsong in the air, nature offers endless opportunities to learn through movement and exploration.

 Here’s how outdoor play supports healthy development:

Boosts Brain and Sensory Development

Climbing over logs, jumping puddles, touching tree bark, or watching clouds drift by—each of these activities engages your child’s senses and helps build neural connections. Sensory-rich experiences outdoors help children learn how to process and respond to information, which is key to learning and emotional regulation.

Encourages Risk-Taking and Problem-Solving

Outdoor play often involves unstructured, child-led exploration. Whether it’s figuring out how to climb a small hill or deciding how to build a stick fort, young children naturally learn to assess situations, make decisions, and try again when things don’t work out.

Supports Physical Development

Outdoor play encourages whole-body movement—running, jumping, balancing, and digging all help build gross and fine motor skills. These movements also support physical strength, coordination, and even future academic skills like writing (which rely on muscle control).

Reduces Stress and Supports Emotional Health

Time in nature has been shown to lower stress levels in both kids and adults. For young children, who may not have the words to express their big feelings, outdoor time can be a calming reset that helps them regulate emotions and recharge.

Fosters Social Development

When children play outside together, they often take turns, negotiate rules, and invent games—skills that build empathy, cooperation, and communication. Even if your child isn’t verbal yet, they’re still picking up on social cues and practicing important interactions.

Need some fun and easy ways to get outside?

You don’t need fancy equipment or a long trip to the mountains to reap the benefits. Try:

• A “nature walk” around your block and count how many birds you see or different bird sounds you hear.

• A backyard water play station with cups, bowls, and a small tub. (But please don’t ever leave your child alone, even if it’s only one inch of water, when playing with water or in a bath.)

• A blanket picnic with books, bubbles, or building blocks and snacks under a shady tree.

• Letting your toddler dig in the dirt or explore with a magnifying glass.

• Using sidewalk chalk to talk about colors, practice holding the chalk, and begin learning the alphabet.

• Scheduling a playdate with one or more families in a nearby park for social and physical activity.

Outdoor play doesn’t just help kids burn off energy—it builds brains, bodies, and confidence. As we head into the summer months, make it a goal to spend at least 30 minutes a day outside with your child. You might be surprised at how much you benefit, too.

If you live in an area with extreme heat, morning and evening times are great times for outdoor play. Be sure to always have a water bottle handy – for you and your child – to stay hydrated!

Learn more about the benefits of outdoor play and find some simple activity ideas for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers:

• Healthy Children.org – “Playing Outside: Why It’s Important for Children”
  Provides tips and health-based guidance on why outdoor play is essential for young children’s physical and emotional well-being.

• Big Life Journal– “7 Benefits of Outdoor Play and Less Screen Time”
  Highlights the developmental benefits of nature play and includes ideas for fun outdoor activities.

• Children & Nature Network – “Tools & Activities for Families”
  A great resource for families looking to build a stronger connection to nature through outdoor play.

• Washington Post – “How Time in Nature Builds Happier, Healthier and More Social Children”

  The article provides links to more studies that delve into the benefits of outdoor play for children.