Exploring nature through play in springtime
Spring can be a magical time for children to play outdoors. As the natural world reawakens after winter, shoots are popping up, animals and insects are emerging, and the days are getting longer. Nature becomes more colourful, birdsong returns to the mornings, and the view from your doorstep begins to change.
Playing in nature has lots of benefits for children (and adults) too. Connecting to the natural world through play can support children’s health and wellbeing. Research shows that spending time in nature can lead to improved mood, better concentration, and even enhance creativity. Nature play can also help children learn about the natural world, leading them to care about nature and grow up wanting to protect it.
Dressing for springtime weather
If you have been playing out all winter (which we hope you have), spring can be a welcome change from the bitter cold weather and darker nights. It can renew your love of being outdoors and your commitment to playing out every day. Springtime weather can be unpredictable, however, so don’t put those wellies and waterproofs away just yet! Your springtime play kit might include:
- Wellies and waterproof jackets for those springtime showers.
- Hats, scarves and gloves for cold snaps.
- Layers like hoodies and jumpers for when the weather is changeable.
- Trainers for running around on drier days.
- Old clothes for getting messy exploring in nature.
Ten nature play ideas for spring
There are lots of playful ways you can help your children connect with nature in springtime. Why not:
- Head to your local park for a picnic and eat your sandwiches surrounded by nature.
- Take paper and pens outdoors and make nature drawings and designs.
- Go on a nature walk and observe the changes in nature.
- Organise a nature-themed scavenger hunt with other families.
- Explore rockpools at the seaside or look for wildlife in ponds and rivers.
- Play hide and seek in a forest or in your local park.
- Go on a camping trip, or camp out in your garden.
- Make some nature art with things like fallen leaves and pebbles.
- Go on a colour hunt. Who can find something green, yellow, purple?
- Do some bird watching.
Nature play for everyone
The natural world is full of playful experiences for everyone, so no matter how old your child is, they will find something to do. Some children will love getting messy and muddy, where others might prefer to engage in quiet imaginative play outdoors. Older children might enjoy more physical forms of nature play, like climbing trees or building dens. Our blog about playing in nature with children of all ages has more tips and advice that you might find helpful.
Find even more inspiration
Take a look at our other blogs for more ideas about things like getting ready for rainy day play and playing with earth, water, fire and air.
