Children in Nature - Natural Play Spaces

Elements of a Natural Play Space

Special Places - Discovered or Constructed

Nature Play Spaces are places where there are lots of different things to do and lots of loose parts that children can use to create their own structure. Branches, fallen trees, old brush piles, or scrap wood is transformed into a fort, a castle, a home away from home.

These hide-away places, or retreats, whether discovered or constructed by children, provide an imaginary world that helps bridge between the safety of home and family and the larger world.

Hiding Places
Fort Building
Loose Parts

	Pathway leads to a special hiding area.
	Wigwams harken local native American history. Adkins Arboretum Paw Paw Playground
	Blueberry bush hiding space. Play and Learn Annapolis
	Live Willow Tunnel Play and Learn Annapolis
	Curtains of material can be used to create hiding places. Locust Grove Montgomery County
	Natural hiding places. Brookside Nature Center Montgomery County
	Special places created from bean poles.
	Bamboo cuttings and twigs used for fort building. Photo courtesy of Parks and People Foundation
	Special places can even be found in trees.
	Crawling tunnel provides hiding space and adventure. Greenbrier State Park Washington County
	Bean pole teepee. Adkins Arboretum Caroline County
	Fort building creates a space of their own. Photo courtesy of Parks and People Foundation