The Value of Getting Kids Outside
Nature offers some of the best opportunities for children to learn, explore and grow. But with so many competing priorities and interests shaping how children spend their time, opportunities to connect with the natural world can sometimes take a back seat.
Bringing learning outdoors can support mental and physical well-being, build social skills and spark curiosity through hands-on experiences. By making outdoor learning accessible, playful and engaging, we can help children strengthen their connection to nature while supporting healthy development.
Here are five benefits of outdoor learning:
1. Improve Learning Outcomes
Outdoor education and play can help children build valuable learning skills while creating meaningful connections to the natural world. Studies show hands-on learning outside the classroom encourages problem solving, creativity and fine motor skills.
Because outdoor environments are always changing, students can explore, adapt and think differently. For example, during a field trip to Terra Cotta Conservation Area, students might measure trees, identify insects or build animal shelters using natural materials. These experiences encourage youth to apply classroom learning in real-world settings while working together to solve challenges.
Outdoor learning also engages more of the senses, helping students better understand and remember what they learn. By recognizing the value of outdoor education, we can strengthen learning outcomes and help foster a deeper connection to nature.
2. Supports Social Development
Outdoor experiences can help children build important social and emotional skills while encouraging confidence, curiosity and resilience. Time spent outdoors gives children opportunities to take safe risks and explore their abilities in new ways.
As children navigate the natural world, they learn to work through challenges, build self-confidence and develop critical thinking skills. Outdoor play with others also helps strengthen communication, teamwork and creativity while fostering a sense of belonging and community.
During outdoor education programs for groups like our Girl Guides of Canada and Scouts Canada programs, participants take part in nature-based games designed to encourage collaboration and active learning. In the Animal Olympics program, for example, children work together as animal teams to complete activities that explore how different species are adapted to survive in the wild.
3. Outdoor Play Sustains Healthy Lifestyles
Spending time outdoors supports both our physical well-being. Outdoor play helps keep our bodies moving through activities like walking, climbing and exploring, while also supporting better sleep and reducing the health risks linked to sedentary lifestyles. It also helps build physical literacy, giving children and adults the confidence, skills and motivation to stay active and make movement a part of everyday life.
4. Being Outside Enriches our Mental Health
Time spent in nature can have a powerful impact on our mental well-being. Spending time outdoors has been linked to improved mood, lower stress levels and reduced feelings of anxiety.
The connection between nature and health is increasingly being recognized across Canada. Through programs like PaRx, healthcare professionals can now prescribe time in nature to support patient well-being. In partnership with PaRx, CVC is helping connect more people with the health benefits of spending time outdoors at our conservation areas.
Nature also gives us a chance to step away from screens and slow down. Whether it’s a quiet moment in a local park, spotting birds along a trail or exploring a new conservation area, spending time outside can help us recharge, reconnect and feel more grounded.
5. Builds Connections to the Natural World
Outdoor education experiences can help students build stronger connections with the natural world around them. After spending time learning outdoors, students can apply their new learnings to their local environment, from spotting wildlife in their neighbourhoods to recognizing native tree species.
By connecting with the outdoors in meaningful ways, students are encouraged to value and protect the environment, helping to inspire lifelong connections to nature and positive action for the future.
Outdoor Learning Opportunities
If you’re a parent or teacher looking for ways to help children spend more time outdoors, we offer a variety of engaging nature programs, workshops and resources. These hands-on experiences help connect students, families and community groups with the natural environment around them while encouraging curiosity, exploration and learning outdoors.
- Teachers: We offer a suite of hands-on and curriculum linked outdoor experiential programs to help you connect your students with nature.
- Families and Community Groups: From Girl Guides and Scouts outings to summer camp day trips and family adventures, our parks offer a variety of opportunities to explore and connect with nature together.
- Learn about more great ways to get involved outdoors with your community.
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By Marissa Chase, Coordinator, Education