Adventures in Nature

As stated in a recent article by the Australian Childhood Foundation, many children today spend significantly less time outdoors due to increased screen use, ongoing safety concerns, and reduced access to green and natural spaces. Families are navigating growing pressures, and for those living in high- and medium-density housing, opportunities to engage with nature can be particularly limited. This heightens the importance of equipping parents, carers, and educators with practical and achievable ways to support children’s connection with the natural world.

For young children, nature play is about simple moments of discovery. It’s child‑led, unhurried, and driven by curiosity - splashing in puddles, collecting leaves, watching ants, or digging in the dirt. Nature play doesn’t need to be organised or planned; what matters most is giving children the time and freedom to explore in ways that feel meaningful to them. This can happen in a park, at the beach, or right in your own backyard.

If getting to outdoor spaces is difficult, everyday activities can still help babies and toddlers connect with nature. A short walk around the block can become a sensory adventure, noticing bright flowers, feeling the breeze, listening for birds, or stopping to watch insects moving through the grass. Talking gently about what you can see, hear, and feel helps young children slow down, tune in, and build early awareness of the natural world.

Spending time outdoors supports young children’s natural curiosity and learning. Nature offers rich sensory experiences, textures, sounds, smells, and movement - that help develop coordination, attention, and emotional regulation. Being in calm, open spaces can also help young children feel settled, safe, and secure.

The Australian Childhood Foundation shared this resource to encourage outdoor exploration. Learn about birds, star gazing, clouds, and more, and use it to plan your own nature activities, download it here: Adventures In Nature