For many, the happiest childhood memories are rooted in nature, with carefree days spent climbing trees, playing in the park, or simply feeling the sun on our faces. As we grow up, those simple moments remind us of the joy and freedom it brings.
But in today’s technology-driven world, it’s becoming harder for kids to spend time outdoors, and this growing disconnect from nature can have a profound impact on their overall wellbeing.
With that said, in this article, we will explore six mental health benefits of nature for children, highlighting why being outside is essential for their development. Plus, we’ll share a list of activities to help kids feel happier, more relaxed, and connected to the world around them.
Why is children’s mental health important?
Children’s mental health is crucial to their own personal growth and has a lasting impact on adult life. Ultimately, it shapes how we think, feel, interact, manage stress and build relationships, and can be understood through three key aspects:
Emotional wellbeing
Emotional wellbeing refers to our ability to recognise, understand, and control our emotions. This includes developing self-awareness, expressing feelings in a healthy way, and coping with challenges such as frustration, disappointment, or sadness. By teaching emotional regulation, encouraging open communication about feelings and practising mindfulness, children can learn to strengthen this aspect of mental health.
Psychological wellbeing
Psychological wellbeing involves cognitive development and the ability to problem-solve. Activities such as creative play with LEGO, puzzles, and memory games are excellent for strengthening children’s decision-making skills, leading to a more resilient mindset and balanced perspective on life. This, in turn, helps them adapt to new situations and recover from difficulties with greater confidence.
Social wellbeing
Social wellbeing focuses on how we connect with others and navigate social situations. As humans, we naturally crave a sense of belonging, and cooperative activities or games are a great way to stimulate meaningful connections. Children with strong social skills are better equipped to make friends, communicate clearly, and resolve conflicts peacefully—whether in school, sports, or clubs.
Mental health issues are becoming increasingly prevalent in children and adolescents, whereby 204,526 patients aged 17 and under were referred to mental health services for anxiety between 2023 and 2024.
This really underscores how important early intervention is in helping kids develop healthy coping mechanisms and build resilience before problems escalate. What’s more, understanding the main factors that influence a child’s mental health can make all the difference. These include:
- Family dynamics: Without strong family dynamics, support, or open communication, children may encounter heightened levels of anxiety and stress due to uncertainty and a lack of emotional security.
- Environment: A safe, nurturing home, access to nature, and an engaging educational setting all promote healthy development. However, exposure to conflict or neglect can disrupt a child’s sense of stability and overall happiness.
- Social connections: Friendships and peer relationships significantly affect children’s mental health. Positive social connections help build confidence and teach empathy, whereas social isolation or bullying may result in depression and distress.
5 benefits of nature on children’s mental health
As we’ve briefly mentioned, nature plays a powerful role in nurturing kids’ mental health. In fact, a study published in the journal Environment International reveals that children who spend at least 60 minutes daily in nature experience a 50% lower risk of mental health issues. In other words, they are less likely to face a decline in their quality of life.
Now, let’s explore the six mental health benefits of nature for children, including stress reduction, increased self-esteem, and an overall boost in mood.
1. Reduces anxiety and stress
One of the most significant mental health benefits of nature is its ability to reduce anxiety and levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, in children. When kids spend time in green spaces, they can engage in physical activities like running and jumping—all of which release endorphins, the body’s natural mood boosters. These feel-good chemicals help reduce stress and promote relaxation, giving children a much-needed escape from the pressures of daily life.
Activities to reduce stress and anxiety:
- Meditation: This practice centres on awareness, encouraging children to tune into their breath and surroundings. Simple techniques like guided imagery (i.e. picturing a safe, comforting place) or mindfulness exercises such as yoga teach them to manage stress, stay present and cultivate a deep sense of inner calm.
- Deep breathing: When you feel anxious, exercises like belly breathing or the 4-7-8 technique can help calm your nervous system and reduce feelings of panic. All you have to do is breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and breathe out slowly through your mouth for 8 seconds.
- Nature walking: Taking a walk in nature allows children to explore the great outdoors, soak up sunlight, and breathe in fresh air, all of which help boost vitamin D levels and alleviate anxious feelings. Even just listening to the sounds of nature, such as birdsong or running water, creates a calming sensory experience.
2. Builds self-esteem
Nature also plays a vital role in building self-esteem among children. Engaging in outdoor activities allows kids to have fun, develop new skills and overcome challenges. Whether it’s climbing a tree or riding a bike for the first time, these experiences create a sense of accomplishment, making children feel capable and confident in their abilities. This boost in self-esteem also translates into other areas of their lives, giving kids the confidence to persevere through difficulties and develop a positive self-image in school, social interactions, and everyday tasks.
Activities to build self-esteem:
- Random acts of kindness: Small, thoughtful deeds, like sharing a toy, complimenting someone, or helping a friend can significantly boost a child’s self-esteem. These acts reinforce a sense of empathy, social connection, and purpose, helping kids recognise the positive impact they can have on others.
- Gratitude journalling: Writing down the things you’re grateful for each day helps us focus on positive experiences, build resilience, and develop a confident mindset. Kids can list happy moments, achievements, or people who make them feel valued, leading to an increase in joy and contentment.
- Gardening: Planting and caring for flowers or vegetables through watering, weeding, and observing changes teaches children responsibility and patience. Watching their plants grow and thrive gives them a tangible sense of fulfilment and a stronger connection to nature right at home.
3. Boosts creativity
Natural environments have always been a great source of inspiration, offering a range of sights, sounds, and textures that ignite our curiosity and senses. When children play outside, they often use natural materials like leaves, sticks, or (if at the beach) sand and seashells to create art or build castles. This type of unstructured play and interaction with nature gives them the freedom to innovate and experiment, nurturing their creative potential.
Activities to boost creativity:
- Drawing: One of the best creative activities for kids is expressing their thoughts and emotions through art. Whether using crayons, paints, or charcoal, it stimulates imagination, improves fine motor skills, and enhances emotional expression and creativity.
- Storytelling: Creating characters and plots helps children structure ideas, express themselves clearly, and strengthen their reading and communication skills. To spark their imagination, try using fun prompts like, “Imagine you discover a hidden door—where does it lead?” and ask them to brainstorm ideas before starting their story.
- Shelter building: Building shelters, such as forts or tents from branches or blankets, is a fantastic way to boost kids’ creativity. It encourages them to think about design, resourcefulness, and teamwork while enhancing independence and problem-solving skills.
4. Increases concentration
Another incredible way nature supports mental health is by increasing concentration levels. Many children today struggle with attention issues, often exacerbated by screen time and overstimulation from digital devices. However, spending time in nature can provide a refreshing change of scenery that helps children focus better. This makes outdoor time not just a break from routine but an effective method to enhance learning and productivity.
Activities to increase concentration:
- Jigsaw puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles demand focus and attention, as children analyse shapes, colours, and patterns to find the right pieces for the perfect fit. This engaging activity strengthens not only short-term memory and hand-eye coordination but also boosts neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin—two chemicals that improve mood, concentration, and motivation.
- Reading: Reading regularly from a young age is both an educational and enjoyable way to boost concentration. By focusing on words, understanding meanings, and following storylines, children develop critical thinking and comprehension skills. What’s more, there are plenty of age-appropriate books that cater to different interests, whether it’s fantasy, mystery or history!
- Build a terrarium: Building a miniature ecosystem, like a terrarium, is a hands-on activity that teaches kids patience, attention to detail, and the importance of caring for living things. Gather materials like a clear jar, soil and plants and ensure they meet the needs of their chosen plants.
5. Develops cognitive thinking
Cognitive development is crucial during childhood, and interacting with the natural world helps encourage observation, questioning, and exploration. For example, bushcraft activities such as building a shelter, lighting a fire, or identifying different plants and animals challenge children to think critically and work as a team to solve problems out in the wild, while developing practical survival skills.
Activities to develop cognitive thinking:
- Map reading: Map reading is a great way to develop cognitive thinking, as it helps children build spatial awareness and learn to navigate different terrains. Kids can practice by following a simple map during outdoor adventures with just a compass or by using apps or printed maps to plan and explore new routes.
- Board games: To win games like Monopoly or Chess kids must plan ahead, adapt to new situations, and think critically about their moves. As a result, they develop logical reasoning and decision-making skills, all of which contribute to a growth mindset. Tip: Offer hints or guidance when needed, but avoid giving away the answers too quickly.
- Scavenger hunts: A classic outdoor activity, scavenger hunts encourage kids to decipher clues and collaborate as a team to find a list of objects within a specific location. With a notebook and map in hand, they practice critical thinking by solving riddles and following steps that guide them toward victory.
Reap the mental health benefits of nature at PGL!
Want your child to experience the mental health benefits of nature firsthand? Consider booking a PGL kids’ camp!
We offer a variety of exciting outdoor adventures, including multi-activities alongside our Specialist Adventures, including, Bake It, Watersports, Bushcraft and much more!
With over 9 UK centres, go ahead, dive in, and enjoy the great outdoors at a kids’ camp near you! Get in touch with our friendly and experienced team today to see how we can help or search and book their next adventure.
