How Nature Play Supports Mental Health in Kids (and Grown-Ups!)

In today’s busy, screen-filled world, children (and their grown-ups) are spending less time outdoors than ever before. Yet nature is one of the most effective, proven tools for supporting mental and emotional well-being and it’s free, simple, and always changing.

At A Touch of the Wild, we see every day how outdoor experiences benefit children’s well-being, confidence, and calm.

1. Nature reduces anxiety and boosts mood
Time spent outside, especially in woodland environments, has a calming effect on the nervous system. Research shows that being in nature can:

• Lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone)
• Improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety
• Help regulate sleep patterns and overall emotional balance

And it’s not just the children, many parents tell us they feel more relaxed after a morning in the woods too.

2. Outdoor play builds emotional resilience
Playing outdoors teaches children how to handle challenges in a safe, supportive way. Whether they’re balancing on a fallen log, dealing with wet socks, or trying something new, they’re learning:

• Confidence in their abilities
• Patience and perseverance
• How to manage small risks and bounce back

These everyday experiences help build strong, resilient minds.

3. Being outside encourages mindfulness
Nature draws children into the moment. With no screens or background noise, they begin to notice:

• The sound of wind in the trees
• The texture of mud or moss
• The rhythm of their own breath as they climb or explore

This sensory engagement helps children slow down, focus, and feel present, all vital for emotional well-being.

4. Nature brings people together
Connection is central to mental health, and the outdoors offers plenty of opportunities for it.
At our sessions, we regularly see:

• Friendships forming through shared adventures
• Parents and carers finding support and laughter together
• A strong sense of community rooted in shared experiences

Being in nature helps both children and adults feel grounded, connected, and supported.

Try this at home:
This week, head outside for 20 minutes and try one of the following:

• Listen for five different bird sounds
• Build a stick den or nature mandala
• Lie back and watch the clouds for a few moments

Small steps. Big benefits.

Want to give your child a regular dose of outdoor calm and confidence?
Join one of our weekly Wild Tots sessions, or register your interest for Wildlings Forest Kindergarten this September.
These early experiences can have a lasting impact and we’d love to welcome you.