Take a Child Outside Week
Take a Child Outside Week
24–30 September every year
Take a Child Outside Week encourages families, schools and communities to spend time outdoors and reconnect children with the natural world.
Originating in North Carolina, the initiative was inspired by Richard Louv's influential book Last Child in the Woods, which explores the growing disconnection between children and nature and the impact this can have on health, wellbeing and development.
The week highlights the benefits of regular time outdoors and aims to help children build meaningful connections with nature through exploration, play, discovery and shared experiences in local outdoor spaces. The message is simple: spending time outside doesn't need to be complicated. Parks, gardens, woodlands, school grounds and neighbourhood green spaces can all provide opportunities for children to connect with the natural world.
At Muddy Faces, we believe that outdoor play and learning help children develop confidence, curiosity, resilience and a lifelong relationship with nature. Take a Child Outside Week provides a great opportunity to reflect on how often children have access to outdoor experiences and what we can do to support stronger connections with the natural world.
Further reading and resources
Take a Child Outside Week
Official campaign information, ideas and background to the initiative, plus classroom resources, information and activities exploring the benefits of helping children connect with nature.
Muddy Faces resources
Nature connection
Articles, ideas and resources exploring children's relationship with the natural world.
Research: Nature Connection & Nature deficit
Find out more about nature deficit and why connection with nature matters for children's wellbeing and development.
Research and evidence relating to nature connection, outdoor play and learning.
Last Child in the Woods – Richard Louv
Explore the book that inspired a global conversation about children and nature. Available from the Muddy Faces shop.