Research

Why Outdoor Play Is Critical for Children's Physical and Mental Health

Summary of 2025 findings from a University of Michigan Mott Children's Hospital poll and international position statement showing outdoor play supports emotional regulation, focus, and buffers the effects of screen time.

Nature play and child wellbeing

A policy paper synthesising research on how different types of nature contact support the wellbeing of children aged 0–5, with practical guidance for families and practitioners.

Time spent outdoors as an intervention for myopia prevention and control in children

An overview of seven systematic reviews covering 63,920 children showing consistent evidence that time outdoors reduces both the onset and prevalence of myopia.

The impacts of unstructured nature play on health in early childhood development: A systematic review

A systematic review of 16 studies finding that unstructured nature play positively impacts physical activity, motor development, creativity, and social-emotional outcomes in young children.

Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder

The landmark book that coined 'nature-deficit disorder' and sparked a global movement reconnecting children with the outdoors — essential reading for nature-minded parents.

Risky Outdoor Play and Adventure Education in Nature for Child and Adolescent Wellbeing: A Scoping Review

A scoping review of 40 studies showing near-universal positive outcomes for physical, mental, and psychosocial development from nature-based risky play and adventure activities.

The Role of Timing and Amount of Outdoor Play in Emotional Dysregulation in Preschool Children

A 2024 study of 325 preschoolers finding that midday outdoor play (noon to 6pm) is linked to better emotion regulation, with working memory as a mediating mechanism.

Playing in mud and dirt can boost your child's immune system — here's how

A researcher-authored explainer on how soil microbes, including Mycobacterium vaccae, help train children's immune systems and may even reduce inflammation and boost mood.

Screen Time and Children: How to Guide Your Child

Free Time, Unstructured Play, and Children's Well-being

Engaging young children (0–5 years) in nature play

A practice guide for parents and caregivers with evidence-based, practical nature play ideas for children under five, covering physical, cognitive and social-emotional benefits.

The Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children's Development

Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans: Youth

Risky play and mental health

An expert review of how age-appropriate risky play in early childhood helps build lifelong emotional resilience and reduces anxiety symptoms in children as young as two.

The Physical Activity Benefits of Playing Outdoors

Children and Nature: A Global Perspective

Nature-Based Learning Programs: Evidence of Effectiveness

Learning Outside

A research hub summarising evidence that children connected to nature have better health, higher life satisfaction, improved academic performance, and stronger pro-environmental behaviours.

Nature play in early childhood education: A systematic review and meta ethnography of qualitative research

A qualitative review of children aged 2–8 showing nature-based environments meaningfully enhance play quality, creativity, and cognitive development compared to non-nature settings.

The Risks of Children Having Too Little Outdoor Play

The importance of play in natural environments for children's language development

An exploratory study finding children use richer, more complex language while playing in natural environments compared to traditional playgrounds.

Outdoor Play and the Developing Brain

Risk-Taking in Outdoor Play: Benefits and Parental Guidance

Children Who Play Adventurously Have Better Mental Health

Coverage of a University of Exeter study of nearly 2,000 families finding that children who engage in adventurous outdoor play have lower anxiety and depression symptoms and fared better during lockdowns.

Spending Time in Nature Reduces Stress and Anxiety in Children

Nature play may positively impact children's health and development

A literature review concluding that nature play environments foster stronger physical activity patterns and enhanced cognitive development in children aged 2–9.

The Growing Evidence for Nature's Role in Child Development

How Gardening Benefits Children's Health

Biodiversity intervention enhances immune regulation and health-associated commensal microbiota among daycare children

A landmark Finnish trial showing that adding forest floor, soil and plants to daycare yards measurably strengthened children's skin, gut microbiome diversity and immune regulation within 28 days.

Nature Exposure and Children's Self-Regulation in Urban Settings

Does Contact with Nature Promote Children's Mental Health?

Environmental Identity Development in Children

Green Spaces and Children's Physical and Mental Health

Nature and Attention: Studies Show Nature Improves Focus in Children with ADHD

Fresh Air, Fun, and Exploration: Why Outdoor Play Is Essential for Healthy Development

A practical parent- and educator-facing piece on how daily outdoor play supports sleep, attention, STEM learning, and caregiver-child relationships in young children.

Forest Bathing Effects on Children's Cortisol Levels

'Dirt Is Good': Why Kids Need Exposure To Germs

An interview with microbiome scientist Jack Gilbert explaining why exposure to dirt, animals and soil in early childhood supports immune development and may reduce allergy risk.

Animal Encounters and Empathy Development in Young Children

Time Outdoors at Specific Ages During Early Childhood and the Risk of Incident Myopia

A longitudinal cohort study of 2,833 children showing that greater time outdoors from age three onwards is associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing myopia later.

Dose-Response Association of Screen Time and Sleep in Children

Forests, Trees and Human Health: Outdoor Nature Experiences and Wellbeing

How to Protect Kids from Nature-Deficit Disorder

An interview with Richard Louv on the concept of nature-deficit disorder and practical ways parents can help children build focus, confidence, and executive function through nature.

Vitamin D Synthesis in Children Through Outdoor Sun Exposure

The Connection Between Nature and Children's Creativity

Social Development Through Outdoor Play in Early Childhood