Nature Play: The Perfect After-School Reset
As we enter Term 4, the school year’s demands can feel bigger than ever — exams, projects, and the general buzz of a busy schedule.
For kids, sitting and focusing in the classroom all day can lead to pent-up energy. By the final bell, they’re often ready to burst, which can sometimes translate into challenging behavior.
But here’s the good news: unstructured play in nature is one of the most effective ways for kids to unwind, release tension, and support their emotional needs in a natural, healthy way.
Why Term 4 Can Be a Stressful Time for Kids
Like us, children feel the pressure of busy schedules and academic challenges, especially as exams and assessments ramp up. Unlike adults, though, they don’t always have the words to express their feelings.
Their behavior can act as a visible sign of an underlying, unmet need — think of it like an iceberg, where behavior is the visible tip, while emotions, thoughts, values, and needs lie beneath.
When kids seem moody or stressed, they often need a way to process their day and release energy.
Allowing time at the end of the day for unstructured movement and play outdoors can be one of the most effective ways to support this.
The Benefits of Unstructured Movement
Unstructured movement allows children to follow their instincts, freely moving their bodies to release tension and boost their mood.
Nature play is especially effective because it lets kids engage with their surroundings and tune into their senses. Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), improve mood, and support healthy sleep. It also lets children reconnect with their bodies after a day of sitting, helping them develop coordination, strength, and balance.
Tips to Encourage Unstructured Movement After School
Start with a Family Routine
Building in a daily nature break after school can be a great way to unwind together. Head to a local park, beach, or nature reserve and allow for at least 30 minutes of free, unstructured movement. This could mean running, climbing, skipping rocks, or simply exploring. Making it a regular ritual can help everyone release the day’s stress before settling into the evening.
Let Kids Take the Lead
Unstructured movement means letting kids decide what they want to do. Offer gentle guidance or suggestions, but ultimately allow them to roam, climb, dig, or explore as they please. Child-led play helps kids become more resilient, improves problem-solving skills, and offers an outlet for self-expression.
Focus on Connection Over Correction
Instead of correcting behavior when children seem off, focus on connection. Engage them by asking what they discovered, showing interest in their play, or letting them teach you something they observed. This kind of connection helps them feel safe and valued, fulfilling their need for companionship without pressure.
Model Self-Regulation
Children pick up on our stress, so show them how to manage it. Use outdoor time to model self-regulation by taking deep breaths, walking slowly, or talking about what helps you unwind. Even a simple phrase like “I feel calmer when I spend time in nature” can set a positive example.
Unstructured Movement Ideas to Try
Rock-Hopping by a Creek
Balancing on rocks and hopping from stone to stone helps kids with spatial awareness and balance.
Climbing Trees or Logs
This builds strength, confidence, and balance, along with some all-important fresh air and sunshine.
Rolling Down Hills or Running in Open Spaces
These simple activities allow children to feel freedom and joy while moving their bodies, which releases energy and clears their minds.
Supporting Challenging Behaviors: Tips for Parents
If your child tends to act out after school, it could be a sign of an unmet need. Here are some ideas to support both you and your child:
Create a Safe Space for Emotions
Unstructured time in nature provides children with a safe space to shake off the day. Allow for big energy and strong emotions. By simply being there with a calm, non-judgmental presence, you help your child feel seen and supported.
Self-Regulate Before Engaging
If your child’s behavior is wearing on you, take a moment to self-regulate before you react. Deep breaths, slow counting, or a gentle grounding exercise — like noticing the trees or sounds around you — can help you respond calmly.
Practice Empathy and Curiosity
Try to understand what might be driving your child’s behavior. Sometimes, a simple statement like, “You seem like you had a big day,” or “I can see you have lots of energy to let out” helps you both acknowledge their feelings. Letting them know you’re aware of their experience can be a huge relief for them.
Embrace Imperfection
Remember, unstructured play doesn’t need to look perfect. Nature is a great place to let go of expectations and just let your child’s natural instincts lead the way.
Make It a Habit: Embrace Nature Play After School This Term
With unstructured time outside each day, you’ll give your child a much-needed outlet to destress, connect with their surroundings, and shake off school pressures. This space may be exactly what they need to feel heard, understood, and ready to relax with the family once the day winds down. You might even find that nature play becomes a much-loved ritual in your routine, bringing calm and joy to the whole family.
We’re here to help your kids connect with nature!
Adventure Awaits This School Holidays: Book a spot in our engaging, nature-inspired holiday programs! Give your child the gift of exploration and play in the great outdoors.
Join Our Weekly Nature Play Programs: Let your child enjoy unstructured, child-led play and connect with other like-minded families.
Celebrate in the Wild: Plan an unforgettable birthday party where kids can explore and celebrate in nature’s playground!
Written by Ellen Nesbitt. Ellen is a nature play advocate and creative writer with a passion for helping families connect with the outdoors. She is dedicated to exploring ways to nurture children's creativity, independence, wellbeing and love for nature.