There is a growing body of research that suggests that spending time outdoors can have a positive impact on a child’s learning and development. Here are some statistics that speak to the benefits of outdoor play for toddlers:
- According to a study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, children who play in natural outdoor environments are more imaginative, have better cognitive flexibility, and score higher on measures of self-discipline and self-control.
- Research conducted by the University of Missouri found that children who engage in outdoor play have better motor skills and are less likely to be overweight or obese.
- A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that preschoolers who spent more time playing outdoors had better social and emotional development, as well as better language and communication skills.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children spend at least 60 minutes of unstructured outdoor play per day, as it can help promote physical activity, reduce stress, and improve overall health and well-being.
- Overall, the evidence suggests that spending time outdoors can be incredibly beneficial for toddlers’ learning and development, promoting everything from imagination and cognitive flexibility to social and emotional development, motor skills, and overall health and well-being.
As we face the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, it is becoming increasingly clear that educating our toddlers about nature is essential to creating a sustainable future. Early childhood is a critical time for learning, and by introducing our little ones to the wonders of the natural world, we can help them develop a deep appreciation for the environment and a sense of responsibility for its protection.
One of the most effective ways to teach young children about nature is through hands-on experiences. Take them on nature walks, point out different types of plants and animals, collect leaves and rocks, and explore the outdoors together. You can also read books about nature, watch nature documentaries, and engage in creative activities like drawing pictures of animals or building birdhouses.
While finding time to get your little outside can be challenging at times, there are is always something you can do to stimulate their wild side. Here are my 5 favorite educational outdoor activities for toddlers for inspiration:
#1 Nature Walk:
Take your toddler on a nature walk and point out different plants, animals, and insects. When the weather was still nice, my toddler and I would take a daily walk around the block and describe the colors of everything we saw. This is a great way to introduce numbers and other vocabulary as well! Bonus is that as the seasons change, there is more to learn!
#2 Gardening:
Let your toddler help you plant and care for a small garden, teaching them about sustainability and the environment. Beans make a fantastic first time crop for kiddos since they sprout quickly. They can also develop motor skills and plant-identification by being responsible for picking your weeds. Assign your little a “crop” (or pesky weed), teach them what it looks like, and make sure they harvest as much as they can every day just like you harvest your crops!
#3 Bug Hunt:
Go on a bug hunt and help your toddler identify different insects and learn about their habitats. This really comes in handy if you’re implementing organic pest control! When we had a cotton-wood beetle problem my little scavenger proudly collected several trophies and we learned all about the life stages of the beetle. This could also work with horn worms if you keep a lot of tomato plants or any other common garden pest!
#4 Alphabet Scavenger Hunt:
Create a scavenger hunt where your toddler has to find objects outside that start with each letter of the alphabet. This could work if you’re going to spend a while out and about. For a shorter activity focus on a letter or color of the day. My little and I love to hunt for rainbow leaves in the fall, picking up 1 leaf for each color of the rainbow on our daily walk around the neighborhood. For bonus fun collect their scavenger hunt findings in a blank journal by pressing the leaves or flowers in between pages and labelling when they found it.
#5 Shadow Play:
Use sidewalk chalk to draw your toddler’s shadow and then have them jump, dance, and move around in it to learn about shadows and movement. If you’re able to take shorts jaunts outside throughout that day, try turning this into a lesson about the sun’s position throughout the day. Have your kiddo stand in the same spot in different times of the ay, trace their shadow, and be sure to label each shadow with the time. Older kids can start developing their adventuring skills with this activity while the young one’s will enjoy a quick burst of activity to break up their day.
By fostering a love for nature in our toddlers, we can help them develop a lifelong commitment to environmental sustainability. They will grow up knowing the importance of protecting the planet and will be more likely to make environmentally responsible decisions in the future. So let’s start teaching our little ones about nature today, so that we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come!
If you enjoyed learning about these Educational Outdoor Activities for Toddlers, I urge you to join our community of environmentally conscious individuals and share your tips and experiences on living sustainably!
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