The Importance of Connecting Children with Nature: How Project Nature is Changing the Game

At Pediatrics Northwest we are dedicated to finding ways to ensure the health and well-being of the families we serve. Overall well-being can be seen as physical health, mental health, and developmental milestones, but did you know that nature can hugely impact the well-being of you and your family? Research has shown that spending time outdoors can significantly improve a child’s physical health, mental health, and emotional stability. However, not all families have equal access to nature due to barriers such as lack of access, economic inequality, and lack of awareness. That’s where Project Nature comes in.

What is Project Nature?

Project Nature is a program that Pediatrics Northwest is participating in. The mission of Project Nature is to break down barriers that prevent families from having outdoor exploration and missing the many health benefits that come with nature. Project Nature believes that every family deserves the chance to connect with nature. This is seen as taking a stroll in the local park, on a nature trail, or in an outdoor space near their home. However, for some families, factors such as lack of availability and access can prevent families from having that chance.

Using Project Nature to break these barriers down and empowering families to connect with nature by providing tools and research-based advice to help families engage with nature in meaningful ways is something we are trying to achieve at Pediatrics Northwest. This initiative is now being launched at Pediatrics Northwest clinics in Gig Harbor, Federal Way, and James Center in April 2025. We are focusing on well-child checks for children ages 1-10 in these clinics, offering outdoor activities and resources to help families experience nature together.

The Benefits of Nature for Children

Physical Health:

Spending time outside helps children engage in physical activity, which is crucial for healthy growth and development. Outdoor play encourages exercise, strengthens the immune system, and helps prevent obesity (Moore, 2014). Studies show that children who regularly play outside have better motor skills, coordination, and overall physical fitness (Recreation, 2025)

Mental Health and Emotional Well-being:

Nature has been shown to have a calming effect on children. In today’s digital age, many kids spend hours in front of screens, leading to stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. Nature provides a break from these pressures. Exposure to natural environments has been linked to reduced levels of stress and improved mood, focus, and cognitive development (Barton & Pretty, 2010).

Social Skills:

Outdoor play encourages teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Children who explore nature together learn how to cooperate, share, and work through challenges. These experiences not only build social skills but also foster a sense of community and belonging (Ginsburg, 2007).

Cognitive Benefits:

Nature stimulates curiosity and creativity. Whether it’s observing wildlife, playing in the dirt, or exploring the textures of tree bark, outdoor environments provide endless opportunities for learning. These experiences enhance a child’s ability to concentrate, think critically, and approach challenges with creativity (Faber Taylor et al., 2001).

Breaking Down Barriers to Nature

We understand that barriers to accessing nature can exist for many families. Whether it’s financial constraints, a lack of nearby green spaces, or even social stigma, these challenges can limit opportunities for outdoor exploration. That’s why Project Nature is here to help families overcome these barriers by providing:

Outdoor Activities and Toys: We are excited to offer a variety of outdoor toys and activities for our patients and their families to take home. We are equipping families with tools to make outdoor play engaging and accessible. These items are designed to inspire creativity, active play, and discovery, encouraging families to get outside together and explore the natural world around them.
Web-Based Resources: Families can find a park locator that helps them discover local green spaces and parks, no matter where they live. The website provides detailed information about nearby parks, trails, and outdoor spaces, so families can easily find safe and welcoming places to connect with nature. The website also offers activity guides that can be utilized as well! Please click the link to learn more: https://www.projectnaturewa.com

Why It Matters

Promoting the importance of making nature more accessible to families can foster a healthier and stronger community.  Giving children the opportunity to explore and learn from nature can lead to healthier, happier, and more well-rounded individuals. We recognize the powerful impact nature has on a child’s development, and we are excited to support Project Nature in its mission to create a healthier, more connected future for all children.

 How You Can Get Involved

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or community member, there are many ways to get involved with Project Nature:

Start small: Begin by taking your child outside, even for a few minutes each day. Explore a local park or your own backyard.

Share resources: Share the resources (https://www.projectnaturewa.com) and Project Nature’s mission with others. Project Nature is spearheaded by Dr. Glassy and Dr. Tandon who wrote an amazing book expanding on the importance of nature for children. Want to learn more? Click on this link!

Engage with us: We are also excited to announce an Art Campaign for Project Nature. Send any artwork or pictures of you and your family outdoors for a chance to win a prize. Submit your work at your clinic’s front desk staff or email CHW@pedsnw.net If you have questions or need personalized recommendations, don’t hesitate to reach out to your community health worker! They are able to assist you. Please email us at CHW@pedsnw.net

Together, we can ensure that every child has access to the transformative benefits of nature because every child deserves to experience the joy and health that comes with it.

Sources:

Barton, J., & Pretty, J. (2010). What is the best dose of nature and green exercise for improving mental health? Environmental Science & Technology, 44(10), 3947-3955. https://doi.org/10.1021/es903183r

Faber Taylor, A., Kuo, F. E., & Sullivan, W. C. (2001). Coping with ADD: The surprising connection to green play settings. Environment and Behavior, 33(1), 54-77. https://doi.org/10.1177/00139160121972864

Ginsburg, K. R. (2007). The importance of play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. Pediatrics, 119(1), 182-191. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2006-2697

Moore, R. C. (2014). Nature play: A prescription for healthy development. Parks & Recreation,

Miracle Recreation. “Why Should Kids Play Outside? Benefits of Outdoor Play for Kids.” Miracle Recreation,https://www.miracle-recreation.com/blog/why-should-my-child-play-outside-benefits-of-outdoor-play-for-kids/. Accessed 17 Mar. 2025.