In recent years, fully outdoor nurseries—where children spend most or all of their day learning and playing outside—have been gaining popularity. Rooted in the philosophy that nature is the best classroom, these nurseries offer a refreshing alternative to traditional indoor nursery settings.
If you're wondering whether a fully outdoor nursery might be right for your child, here are five key benefits that set it apart:
1. Natural Movement and Physical Development
Children in outdoor nurseries are constantly on the move—climbing trees, running across open fields, balancing on logs, and digging in the dirt. This full-body activity helps build strength, coordination, and motor skills. But it’s not just about movement—being outdoors in the fresh air also means fewer germs circulating than in enclosed indoor spaces. As a result, children in outdoor nurseries often experience fewer colds, infections, and sick days, keeping them healthier throughout the year. Daily exposure to natural light also supports vitamin D production and better sleep patterns.
2. Boosted Emotional Wellbeing
Nature is calming and restorative. Outdoor nurseries provide a peaceful, open environment where children can relax, express themselves freely, and develop emotional resilience. The natural setting helps reduce stress, anxiety, and overstimulation that can sometimes occur in busy indoor classrooms.
3. Greater Independence and Confidence
In outdoor settings, children are encouraged to take age-appropriate risks—like climbing, navigating uneven terrain, or deciding how to solve a problem during play. These experiences build independence, self-confidence, and critical thinking skills in a way that traditional nursery environments may not always allow.
4. Creativity and Imaginative Play
With fewer fixed toys and more open-ended materials like sticks, stones, leaves, and mud, outdoor nurseries naturally spark imagination. Children create their own games, stories, and adventures—developing creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities along the way.
5. A Deep Connection to Nature
Fully outdoor nurseries foster a lifelong love of the outdoors. Children experience the changing seasons, encounter wildlife, and learn about the environment firsthand. This builds not just knowledge, but a sense of care and responsibility for the natural world—something increasingly important in today’s world.
Final Thoughts
Fully outdoor nurseries offer a powerful alternative to traditional early years education. They give children space to grow in body, mind, and spirit—through freedom, exploration, and connection to the natural world. If you're looking for a nurturing environment that encourages resilience, curiosity, and joy, the outdoors might just be the best classroom there is.
