Nature Play & Grow

Strong evidence shows that time in nature is associated with better child health including physical activity, eating behaviours, sleep quality and mental well-being.

The Nature Play & Grow sub-project was a collaborative study between ORIGINS, Nature Play WA, and the Minderoo Foundation, aimed to address the concerning trend for unhealthy behaviours in young children, which can contribute to long-term lifestyle habits.

These behaviours include a significant shift from active, outdoor nature-based activities to more passive screen-based indoor activities — with an associated rise in psychological disorders, chronic disease, and a disconnect from the natural environment.

What is Nature Play & Grow?

The pilot study aimed to promote connectedness to nature, healthy eating, physical activity, and emotional well-being in young children.

What did participation involve?

The eight-week program, completed in August 2022, consisted of two main components:

Family park session

Parents were asked to attend a weekly one-hour group session, followed by morning tea, held in different local parks in the City of Wanneroo and the City of Joondalup.

Each group session was facilitated by a member of the project team and will include the same ten families in each session. The group enjoyed outdoor experiences based on the weekly theme.

Families were asked to bring a picnic rug and snacks for their child and occasionally asked to bring along items from home such as small craft items, a bike or scooter, and dress ups.

Online module 

Parents were asked to complete one 20-minute online module per week, delivered via the Thinkific platform. These modules were based around a weekly theme such as outdoor play, healthy eating, physical activity and child development, and featured information presented by experts in child health and development. The short modules contained podcasts and videos providing resources and information to increase knowledge and motivation. 

Participants were also asked to complete an online questionnaire prior to the beginning of the program and at the end of the eight-week program. Additional follow-ups were conducted at six and 12 months following the completion of the program.

What were the results?

The pilot was widely successful with 93.8% of parents reported that they themselves and their child felt an increased sense of health and wellbeing as a result of the program, alongside: 

• 100% stating that they would recommend the Nature Play & Grow program to other families
• 93.8% indicating that the program encouraged them to do more activities outside with their children
• 93.8% stating that they have repeat an activity or experience to which they were introduced in the outdoor group sessions
• Two-thirds have returned to play at a park or parks used in the program

The Nature Play & Grow program is now being delivered across Western Australia through a combination of fee-for-service partnerships and grant funding. To date, the program has been delivered in more than 14 local government areas, engaging hundreds of children and families in regular opportunities for unstructured outdoor play, connection, and wellbeing.

Nature Play WA has recently secured funding from the Department of Education to establish Nature Play & Grow as a pre-kindy transition to school program throughout Terms 3 and 4 of 2026. This exciting initiative will explore how nature-based play can support children and families as they navigate this important transition into formal schooling. 

 A collaboration

This pilot project is a sub-project of ORIGINS and is being conducted in collaboration with the The Kids Research Institute Australia, Nature Play WA, and the Minderoo Foundation.