Minnesota Department of Education - Outdoor & Nature-Based Learning

"Minnesota has a variety of outdoor environments where young children can explore, play and interact with the natural world. Play and learning can happen outside in the fall, winter, spring and summer. Early educators can use outdoor spaces to support the learning of all children.

The benefits of outdoor experiences for children are well documented. When children spend time outside they explore science topics using curiosity, creativity and wondering, becoming better problem solvers and critical thinkers. When children are outside, they take turns, talk to each other about what they see and interact with their peers in cooperative ways. Being outside leads to more time being physically active and developing small and large motor skills."

Visit the Minnesota Department of Education - Outdoor & Nature-Based Learning webpage for additional resources.