Create a Nature Play Area
Nature play areas are spaces intentionally designed to integrate natural components into a place for structured and unstructured play and learning. Instead of (or in addition to) conventional metal and plastic play equipment, nature play spaces feature natural items, such as stump steppers, log seating & tables, plants, natural “loose parts” for building and making art, water, sand, creative pathways, and more. Natural play spaces offer greater opportunities for creativity than a conventional playground can, while connecting children and nature and promoting future environmental stewardship.
Tip: Also be sure to visit our National & State Green School Programs page to learn more about local and national Green School programs and resources to help you to continue to improve the health and sustainability of your school indoors and out!
Before You Start
- Form an Action Team
- Overview: Project Planning Basics
- Benefits of Connecting Children with Nature Info-Sheet
- Nature Play Areas: Frequently Asked Questions
- Nature Play & Learning in Early Childhood: Tips & Resources
Design and Preparation
- Conduct a School-Wide Healthy Living Audit
- Conduct a School Grounds Site Assessment
- Nature Play Area Basics: Components, Activities, Photos
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Consider Design Options:
- Nature Play Spaces Pattern Book: Project Green Classrooms
- Schoolyard Design Guide (Boston Schoolyard Initiative)
- Affordable Settings & Elements: Cost Effective Ideas
- Top 10 Activity Settings: Natural Learning Initiative
- Earthplay: 5 Nearly Free Do-it-Yourself Nature Play Projects
- Play Outside! Database of outdoor play and learning resources
- Critter Fun: Wildlife Habitat Projects
- Embankment Slides
- Vine Teepee Info-Sheet
- Plants in the Schoolyard
- Install Features for Observation & Discovery
- Pinterest: Search for Creative & Easy Nature Play Ideas
- Also See: Resource Center below (products, project photos, etc.)
- Project Design & Preparation Basics
Implementation
- Create a Healthy Living Action Plan Sample Action Plan
- Create a Healthy Living Action Plan Blank Action Plan
- Project Implementation Basics
- Safety
- Accessibility
- The Green Desk: Dynamic Question & Answer Resource
- Also See: Physical Fitness & Outdoor Time
Maintenance
Using Your Project
- Overview: Using Your Project
- Install Features for Observation & Discovery
- Fostering Outdoor Observation Skills-Citizen Science K-8 (AFWA)
- Nature Play & Learning in Early Childhood
- Educator Tools: Science STEM & Environmental Education Supplies
- Eco Schools Healthy Living Pathway & Resources
- Eco School National Standards & Curriculum Alignment
- Project Learning Tree Curriculum Offerings
- Eco Schools Green STEM Initiative
Sharing Your Project
- Overview: Sharing Your Project
- Schoolyard Infographics: Children & Nature Network
- Host a Screening of the Film “Nature Play”
Resource Center
- Project Resource Library: Learn More!
- Nature Explore
- Nature Explore: Learning with Nature Resources
- Natural Learning Initiative
- Earthplay
- Natural Playgrounds: Links to Natural Play Resources
- Let the Children Play
- Nature Playscapes: Bringing the Wild Back to the Child
- AHS National Children and Youth Garden Symposium
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Schoolyard Habitat Guide
- EPA Learning & Teaching About the Environment (awards, resources, more)