We all know that playing in the schoolyard helps children learn. But did you know that outdoor play is just as vital for the very youngest children? For children aged 0 to 4, outdoor play is much more than just a breath of fresh air – it forms the foundation for their motor, cognitive, and social development. Our sales adviser and play expert, Tanja Bracco Gartner, co-author of the miffy Movement Diploma, knows better than anyone why outdoor play is so important.
“Outdoor play is really indoor play plus,” Tanja explains. Outside, children encounter stimuli they cannot experience indoors. Think of: The weather: rain, wind, sun, and cold Movement and speed: running children, bikes or ride-on toys Space: looking further, moving bigger All of these experiences make outdoor play a richer form of play. Children are challenged to problem-solve, learn about their bodies, and use creativity in constantly changing situations. As scientist Erik Schreder said: “Outdoor play is a challenge, and what your brain needs is challenge.” “Conscious learning shouldn’t be the focus at this age – but learning through play is essential, and with a stimulating outdoor environment it happens almost automatically,” says Tanja. Variety is key. Especially cross-lateral movements such as crawling, climbing, and rolling are vital. These involve crossing the body’s midline – for example, when a child reaches with the right hand to the left knee or crawls with the left arm and right leg moving forward together. Such movements strengthen coordination and balance, and later support cognitive skills like reading and writing. Sensory play also plays a major role. Barefoot paths, sand and water play, or feeling different textures all help children refine their senses and process stimuli. Many nurseries have a paved playground for riding bikes and trikes, often supplemented with a sandpit. Safe and practical, but not always challenging enough. And challenge is exactly what children need. An ideal outdoor space for 0–4 year-olds includes: Small height variations such as a little hill to climb or roll down; Soft surfaces like grass, offering both safety and variety; Natural elements such as sand, water, leaves, and tree trunks; Play equipment that stimulates cross-lateral movement, such as our miffy rolling hill. Safety is especially important at this age. But safety doesn’t mean the playground should be flat and predictable. Small slopes, soft surfaces, and expertly designed equipment create a space that is both safe and stimulating. That’s why we design our playgrounds together with specialists like Tanja – ensuring children can play safely while learning and discovering. Nurseries that consciously design their outdoor space offer children much more than fun. They give them the chance to grow, build confidence, and enjoy moving – laying the foundation for an active, healthy future.Outdoor play is a challenge
Outdoors, children learn to cope with changing weather conditions. A gust of wind can knock them off balance, rain feels different on the skin, and sunlight affects both mood and vitamin D production. For young children, this is a natural way to build resilience and flexibility – learning to literally and figuratively move with what happens around them.
Outdoors, children move in an environment that is constantly changing. A bike whizzing past or a toddler suddenly running towards them requires them to adapt their own movement. This sharpens reflexes, balance, and coordination, while also developing spatial awareness.
Outside, children cover more ground and widen their field of vision. This benefits eyesight, long-distance focus, and motor skills. They practise walking, running, and jumping in a large space with varying distances and directions, while exploring their own limits – which strengthens their confidence.
Learning through movement
How to design outdoor spaces for nurseries
Investing in outdoor play = investing in the future
