Explore and Play.

Explore and Play is a simple way to bring back the outdoor free play (in nature) that has declined over the past thirty years.

Understanding the Shift.

A few decades ago, children spent hours outdoors—often unsupervised—playing freely, alone or with friends. They climbed trees, built shelters, embraced risky play, invented games, got bored, or escaped into vivid imaginary worlds that could last until dusk.

Then the world changed. Streets became crowded with cars and fumes, and safe outdoor spaces for children rapidly diminished.

Today, many children spend very little time outside and have lost a vital connection with nature. Among the causes are well-meaning parents keeping children indoors for safety, and the growing absence of natural environments in urban neighborhoods.

This trend was explored by Richard Louv in his 2005 book Last Child in the Woods, where he coined the term Nature Deficit Disorder. While the concept has been widely discussed and studied since, we still know surprisingly little about the long-term effects of this growing disconnection from the natural world.

This presents a troubling paradox.

Children are inheriting a planet where human activity has altered nearly 75% of the Earth’s surface, pushing wildlife and natural ecosystems into shrinking corners of the world.

And yet, nature is essential to our survival.

It provides oxygen, regulates climate, pollinates crops, and produces the food, feed, and fibres we rely on. Nature is our greatest ally—and yet, we live in an age of growing disconnection, a "nature knowledge deficit".

Rebuilding this connection is not optional—it is an embedded human need.

A growing body of research shows that we benefit naturally from time spent in nature. Even something as simple as gazing at a small patch of greenery can trigger a cascade of positive physical, psychological, and cognitive effects.

So, what is Explore and Play?

Explore and Play is an ecotherapy-based program that uses nature connection, child-led play, and child-led initiatives to support the mental and physical well-being of all participants.

In simple words, it’s a nature connection session built around mindfulness and simplicity, where children are free to be children and adult learn to follow their lead.

The aim of Explore and Play is to engage with nature in a simple and spontaneous way. The result of this natural bonding is called “nature connection” and is a very simple exercise that incorporates many benefits.

Nature connection can begin in many simple and accessible ways. You might visit a local park, care for a nearby tree, take a walk in the woods, plant seeds, or simply spend time in your neighborhood green space.

When it comes to children, the key ingredient is play—it’s through playful exploration that their bond with nature truly grows.
But what kind of play?

Child-led play is one of the most powerful ways for children to engage with the natural world. It allows them to follow their curiosity, take appropriate risks, and grow into their own capabilities at their own pace. This type of play fosters independence, creativity, and confidence—all while deepening their relationship with nature.

Some of the benefits include: improved emotional regulation, enhanced problem-solving skills, increased physical activity, and a greater sense of well-being.

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Some more benefits:

• It helps to build resilience;

• It helps to develop creativity and critical thinking;

• It improves self esteem and mood;