At The Wishing Tree, we believe that outdoor play is far more than just “playtime”—it’s a vital part of a child’s learning and development. The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) recognises the environment as the third teacher, shaping children’s learning experiences and supporting their agency, exploration, and well-being.
Spending time outdoors supports physical development, builds resilience, and fosters creativity. Whether climbing, digging, or discovering the natural world, children are developing social skills, testing their abilities, and connecting with their environment in meaningful ways.
Outdoor environments also offer unique opportunities for risk-taking and problem-solving—two key components of critical thinking. When children navigate uneven surfaces, work together to build with natural materials, or observe insects in their habitat, they are strengthening their understanding of the world and their place in it.
Our thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces encourage open-ended play, collaboration, and imagination—all crucial for lifelong learning. When children play outside, they’re not just having fun—they’re growing in every direction.
As educators, we also benefit from outdoor play. It allows us to observe children in new ways, understand their interests more deeply, and extend their learning through nature-inspired provocations. The outdoor environment gives us a living classroom—dynamic, responsive, and full of possibility.
