Nature-based Learning

Looking at nature closely on the Nature Playground

Be it digging in the sand and dirt, playing in puddles, building structures with sticks and blocks, jumping among tree logs, dancing on the stage, or running in the open space, it is a delight to watch children create their own outdoor adventures each day.

Children Need Nature

We are very fortunate to have such a large outdoor playground space in the midst of an urban environment and our work is inspired by studies that consistently show that regular access to outdoor spaces infused with nature can:

  • Increase self esteem and resilience against adversity
  • Reduce stress and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) symptoms
  • Improve concentration, learning, creativity, cognitive development, cooperation, flexibility and self-awareness
  • Support creativity, self control and self-discipline development
  • Prevent childhood obesity
  • Improve eyesight
  • Build the foundation for responsible environmental behavior

Magic Circle Nature Playground

The Magic Circle Nature Playground gives PIC children an opportunity to connect with nature in a way that many growing up in an urban environment don’t have. It is a space that offers unstructured, nature play with endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. 

The Nature Playground at PIC is officially known as the Acadia Woods Magic Circle Nature Playground, named for a special place where former PIC Executive Director Marni Sweet played as a child. This outdoor play space is used by our own 2-8 year-old children, as well as for children in the neighborhood! 

PIC's Magic Circle Nature Playground has earned national certification as a Nature Explore Classroom from the Dimensions Educational Research Foundation and the Arbor Day Foundation. It is a transformation in outdoor learning and the Parent-Infant Center serves as a model for other educators of young children.

A beautiful wooden arbor with vines growing up the sides invites children and their families to connect with nature through free and joyful play in a special, peaceful space.

Our Nature Playground features a variety of outdoor learning centers where children and their teachers make meaningful connections with nature daily. Among trees, bushes, perennials, a butterfly garden, and vegetable and flower gardens, children learn about the life cycle. Areas were created for playing in sand and dirt, building with loose parts and jumping among logs, playing with big blocks and doing outside art.  It is a beloved part of the PIC campus and an inspiration for children's play, learning, and socio-behavioral growth. 

Whether rain or shine or even snow, children experience nature all year long at PIC!

Mud Day

Started in 2008 in Nepal and Australia, International Mud Day is celebrated every June 29 by thousands of children in dozens of countries worldwide to highlight the importance of nature play. At PIC, we celebrate this joyous day by inviting children and staff to get messy and connect with nature.