One of the things I like most about working with children, families and natureplay is how simple things can be. We don’t need lots of special equipment, expensive toys, or certain weather. The children can become quickly absorbed in their play with very little encouragement from the adults around them.

I have been thinking lately about how to introduce nature play to new families. I’m starting to wonder whether the most important thing is actually about setting a scene and allowing space for creativity, exploration and play? Being free to play outdoors, in nature, with materials from the natural environment…Simple!

Here are a couple of ways to set the scene for outdoor play that children love.

Water + dirt = mud

More water = big, splashy puddles

Less water = mud that can be made into “cakes” or “mud faces” or “chocolate balls”

Less dirt = splashy fun that is easier to clean up!

It really is as simple as creating space for dirt, water and child to mix!

Do you have room in your yard for a pot of dirt? Or a big space in the garden where your child/ren can dig and play everyday? Perhaps you only have room for a small tub of water and a small pot of dirt. Perhaps you have room for a wading pool. Whatever space you have available can be made to work for your family.

Or there’s always the wonderful “puddle walk” after it has rained. A rainy, muddy puddle is like a magnet for little hands and feet. If your baby is still small, you could dip their hands or feet in. As they get bigger, you could sit them next to a puddle and see what happens! Once they are walking or crawling, they can explore the mud in their own way. Shoes, boots, bare feet…whatever works.

NOTE: I always feel it’s worth the reminder that small children can drown very quickly in even very small amounts of water, so never leave your kids unattended with a bucket/pool of water, even for small periods of time.

Bits and bobs

Collecting things is often a captivating task for little ones. Sometimes it is child-led, sometimes adult-inspired and sometimes just flows from where you live and play. I can recall meeting a few children who always notice bugs (and may or may not want to collect them). Others who love flowers and others who love sticks. It doesn’t have to matter what it is or why you are collecting, just becoming absorbed in the task can make it worthwhile.

When I notice tension starting to build within our group, I will often grab a basket and have a wander to see what I can find. It might be feathers that blow away in the wind….or sticks to go towards building a pretend fire….or little seed caps that fit on the end of little fingers. I will often have little ones follow me out of curiosity. The point can be unrelated to any particular outcome and can just allow a space for a child to get lost in their imagination, to become absorbed in their discovery and exploration. To reconnect with themselves, to regulate and to feel calm or energised…

Finally…

The most important thing for children and nature is often NOT captured in a photo and is NOT describable with words. It is felt and experienced. A moment of joy, of feeling captivated, of feeling connection and love, of laughing, of sharing and of wonder. So basic, but so complicated all at the same time.

I hope you create and experience some memorable and joyful times outdoors with your child/ren!