Most cities and urban areas aren’t known for their wide open spaces and green, leafy parks. But getting outside of the classroom and connecting with the environment plays a key role in children’s development. As such, there’s a growing trend among childcare providers to incorporate outdoor play and reconnect children with nature.
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of embracing nature in childcare and how industry innovations are driving future trends in outdoor play for childcare providers in the city.
The rise of outdoor childcare in urban areas
Outdoor childcare is becoming increasingly popular in cities as parents and educators recognise the benefits of reconnecting children with nature. Inspired by European forest schools and outdoor-based learning programs, urban areas are adapting this model to fit dense city environments.
In cities and populous urban areas where outdoor space is limited, childcare centres are taking a more creative approach, using rooftop gardens, pocket parks and nature-inspired play areas to integrate outdoor learning into children’s daily routines. These spaces allow children to interact with natural elements like plants, soil and water, even in built environments.
In Australia, programs like Nature Play are paving the way for nature-based education driven by key sustainability principles. Not only do these programs provide benefits relating to health, cognitive, social and emotional development, but they also help children develop resilience, creativity and a deeper connection to the environment.
By incorporating outdoor play in childcare, urban communities are fostering healthier, more engaged children while contributing to greener, more sustainable cities.
Benefits of outdoor learning for children
Outdoor learning opportunities offer a range of wonderful benefits for children spanning their physical, cognitive and emotional wellbeing. Let’s take a look at some of the key benefits that come with getting outside.
Health benefits
Outdoor play enhances physical health by promoting coordination, balance and motor skills through activities like climbing, running and jumping. It addresses rising childhood obesity by encouraging active lifestyles, meeting recommended activity guidelines and reducing risks of chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.
According to Australia's Physical Activity Guidelines, young children aged 1 to 5 should be physically active for at least 3 hours daily. For children in preschool, their daily 3 hours of exercise should include at least 1 hour of energetic physical activity.
Besides the physical benefits offered by outdoor play comes a range of other health benefits. Gardening introduces children to the basics of nutrition, healthier eating habits and hygiene practices, fostering lifelong wellbeing.
Social benefits
Engaging in outdoor activities cultivates a sense of community, responsibility and confidence. Nature-based group play enhances problem-solving, communication and leadership skills while nurturing teamwork and empathy. Interacting with nature deepens environmental awareness and fosters sustainable practices, empowering children as future carers of the planet.
Educational benefits
Nature-based play stimulates learning by exposing children to diverse environments and challenges, building resilience and adaptability. Outdoor activities integrate subjects like math, science and language in real-world contexts, boosting problem-solving and teamwork.
Studies show nature-based education improves academic outcomes, with children becoming more focused, engaged and eager to learn. Above all, outdoor learning is exciting, encouraging exploration and curiosity.
Innovative trends in outdoor childcare centres
While outdoor learning environments are becoming increasingly popular in cities and urban settings, limited green space often poses a challenge for childcare facilities. However, these limitations have driven a number of innovative trends for outdoor education.
Urban childcare centres are finding creative ways to incorporate green spaces into their settings, despite limited room. Vertical greenery on building walls, rooftop gardens and repurposed vacant lots are transforming city landscapes into green, natural havens. These spaces allow children to connect with nature and engage in activities like gardening, observing insects and exploring plant life without having to venture far from the classroom.
As we’ve touched on, nature-based learning programs are gaining traction, offering hands-on activities that teach children about sustainability, ecosystems and food production. These programs often incorporate activities like planting gardens, composting and studying insects while providing practical lessons about life cycles and environmental stewardship. Nature-based programs not only foster a deeper understanding of nature but also encourage children to develop eco-conscious habits early in life.
Outdoor childcare centres are increasingly adopting eco-friendly designs and sustainable practices. Many are incorporating renewable energy sources, like solar panels, and using recycled or locally sourced materials to construct play structures. Some centres have gone a step further, designing completely off-grid facilities. These programs often include waste-reduction initiatives like composting and water recycling, turning sustainability into a daily learning experience for children.
Designing safe and stimulating outdoor environments
Nature and the environment are central to children’s learning and development, but it does come with several risks that should be addressed when designing safe outdoor settings.
When it comes to safety, it’s essential to consider factors like fencing, shade and access to weather-appropriate facilities. These safety concerns are particularly important in Australia, given the harsh conditions, especially in summer. Childcare providers should also consider other environmental concerns, like air pollution and seasonal weather patterns.
While outdoor environments should be safe, they should also be accessible and inclusive for all children. Under Element 3.2.1 of the National Quality Standard (NQS), outdoor environments should be designed and tailored to encourage active participation and provide meaningful experiences for every child.
Modern outdoor childcare centres are designing play spaces that stimulate all the senses. These areas include features like textured pathways, sound gardens with musical instruments, water play zones and fragrant plants or fruit trees to encourage children to use sight, touch, sound, smell and even taste to explore their surroundings. These multi-sensory environments enrich children’s experiences and contribute to cognitive and emotional development.
When designing outdoor environments in childcare settings, it’s important to make sure the space meets the guidelines set out under the National Quality Standard (NQS).
Community engagement and parental involvement
Opportunities for outdoor activities don’t end there. Many childcare centres are partnering with local communities to enrich their outdoor offerings. Collaborations with urban farms, botanical gardens and conservation groups allow children to explore larger natural settings and learn from experts. These partnerships also help build a sense of community and show children the value of working together to protect and nurture the environment.
Children learn a lot from their parents and other family members, so it often helps to get families involved in outdoor programs in childcare settings. Simple activities, like volunteer gardening days or parent-child outdoor activities, provide opportunities for children to connect with their parents and nature simultaneously. As children observe how their parents and family connect with nature and the outdoors, they’ll be more likely to mimic these behaviours themselves.
While creating engaging outdoor spaces for childcare facilities in cities and dense areas can be a challenge, there’s no denying it’s well worth the rewards reaped. Getting outside and reconnecting with nature offers a number of essential benefits for children, from helping with their physical, social and cognitive development to fostering a connection with nature and the environment from a young age. So, if you’re keen to see how your childcare provider integrates outdoor play into your child’s routine, be sure to contact them.
