Outdoor play is essential for healthy child development. Incorporating natural elements both inside and outside offers a number of benefits. Nature creates opportunities for ideal sensory experiences, fine and gross motor development, emotional regulation, and so much more. KEYS has worked with child care providers in our PLN to create natural learning environments (NLEs) on site, whether it’s an urban or rural setting. We use natural materials, like wood, for play equipment and incorporate naturally occurring elements, like using a hillside to add a slide. Small pieces, like pinecones, wood discs, gravel, etc. are also great for NLEs, and they encourage imaginative play.