About
Nature play is a term used to describe the creation of simple play opportunities in the natural environment. Nature play encourages kids and parents to see the natural environment as a place to enjoy, play, imagine, relax and explore.
Getting your kids involved in Nature Play doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming, it can be as simple as a visit to the local park where the kids can roam free. Nature Play Week is a great place to get started.
Nature Play Week was developed collaboratively by individuals and organisations involved in the Kids in Nature Network.
Why Nature Play?
Do you remember your favourite childhood place in nature? Where was it? How did you find it? How did you feel when you were there?
Over the past 30 years, we have moved indoors and screen spaces have replaced green places. Use of television, computers, the internet and smartphones, increased parental fear, poor urban planning and more highly structured play and supervision keep kids from playing outside.
This change in the experience of and exposure to nature has led to a gradual distancing between our kids and the natural world and has profound implications for the mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health of future generations – and for the health of nature itself.
A growing body of evidence suggests that, from backyards to streets, parks and gardens, from the beach to the bush, kids do better outside!
Others notice it too
Nature Play week has received the following accolades:
National Finalist – Event of the Year 2017, Parks and Leisure Awards of Excellence.
Winner – Event of the Year (VIC/TAS) 2017, Parks and Leisure Australia Awards of Excellence.
Finalist Premier’s Sustainability Awards 2016 (Community).
Winner People’s Choice Award 2016 (Community).
Collaborations
Nature Play Week is a part of Premier’s Active April.
Premier’s Active April encourages all Victorians to do 30 minutes of
physical activity a day during April. Register(your NPW 2020 event) today at activeapril.vic.gov.au
Kids in Nature Network would like to thank all our partner organisations that make Nature Play Week happen.
With a special thanks to our core partners:
Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Cranbourne, and Playgroup Victoria
And our supporters:
The Department of Health and Human Services
