Spending time outdoors, whether it’s through exploring, playing, and connecting with nature, does more than just give a child fresh air and sunshine. According to the American Psychological Association, engaging with nature has shown to support mental, physical, emotional, and cognitive development in meaningful ways.

The Benefits

Time in natural settings has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, and greater emotional regulation.
Regular access to natural environments supports resilience and helps children cope with life’s ups and downs more calmly over time.

Being outside helps “reset” busy brains: exposure to natural surroundings has been associated with improved attention, better memory, and greater self-regulation.
Natural, open-ended play invites creativity, problem-solving, and imaginative thinking, things structured indoor activities don’t always allow.

Outdoor play encourages movement: climbing, running, balancing, exploring. All of which build gross motor skills, coordination, and physical strength.
Early connection to nature lays the groundwork for environmental awareness and appreciation. Children who grow up comfortable outdoors often carry respect for the natural world forward into adulthood.

What This Means for Families & Nestling House

At Nestling House, we believe deeply that nature isn’t just a nice “extra”, it’s a fundamental component of our program. Whether through climbing logs, splashing in water, navigating natural terrain, or quietly observing bugs and birds, these everyday interactions foster growth. We encourage families to embrace time outside and see them as valuable classrooms for learning, growing, and connecting.