Nature Play

Parks remain open for walking, hiking, biking and running with the following requirements if you go outside: 

• Stay at home if you are sick.
• Maintain at least 6-feet from others for social distancing.
• Cover all coughs/sneezes.
• Wash hands/use sanitizer before and after leaving home.
• Place trash and dog waste in trash bins or take with you if bins are full.

Nature play promotes daily contact with our natural environment and outdoor space. Diminishing habitats, parental safety concerns, increasing access to technology and even over-structured lifestyles have contributed to a growing lack of contact with nature for many children. The aim of nature play is to create a greater appreciation for, and awareness of, the natural environment.

Want to learn more?

World-renowned writer, educator and thought-leader, Robin Moore, shared his breadth of knowledge and insight into environmental, social and developmental benefits of nurturing contact with nature among young people in June 2015. He also discussed how Boulder can improve nature contact through the design of our play spaces.

• Nature Play Symposium Report - Summary
• Nature Play Lecture - Full recording of the lecture and panel discussion

Upcoming Events

View main city calendar for all upcoming city events, or for more events like this

For more ways to engage kids in nature play, please visit  the Open Space and Mountain Parks Department’s Connect Kids to Nature webpage for ideas and resources.

For a parent’s guide to discovering nature in Boulder’s urban parks, please visit the Top 10 Nature Play Parks webpage for more information.