How Nature Sparks Creativity in Young Kids

At Tiny Green Learning, we see it every day— little learners thrive when they’re outdoors! They turn stumps into drums, build gnome houses out of leaves, and dream up entire worlds from a pile of rocks. Nature drives creativity in young children, and there's research to help us understand why.

A study by Wojciehowski and Ernst (2018) found that preschoolers who attend nature preschool show higher levels of creative thinking compared to students in traditional classrooms. That means more problem-solving, imagination, and the ability to see the world in new and exciting ways.

What Makes Nature So Good for Creativity?

Think about it—nature doesn’t come with instructions. There are no right or wrong ways to collect rocks, splash in the mud, or explore a stream. Kids in nature preschools get to experiment, take risks, problem solve, and follow their curiosity, all of which fuel creativity.

According to the study, kids in nature-based programs showed:

• More original ideas– They came up with new and unexpected ways to use objects and solve problems.

• Better problem-solving skills – They thought more flexibly and adapted to changes easily.

• Stronger creative expression– Whether through storytelling, art, or play, they expressed themselves in more diverse and authentic ways.

Why Is This So Important?

Creativity isn’t just about making art, it's about being curious, engaging in investigations, thinking critically, and approaching challenges with confidence. Whether a child grows up to be a scientist, an artist, an engineer, or a community leader, creative thinking will help them engage with the world in meaningful way.

Bringing More Nature-Based Learning to Kids

At Tiny Green Learning, we design our programs with these ideas in mind. Whether it’s through our Nature Play Dates, School Programs, or our upcoming Tiny Green Family Workshops, we make sure kids have the opportunity to explore, create, and grow!

Want to give your child more nature-based experiences? Join us for an upcoming event and see the magic of outdoor learning in action!