Ask any parent what they want most for their child, and "happy and healthy" tops the list. As it turns out, one of the simplest ways to support both might be more time outside.
What the research found A study published in June 2026 in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, led by researchers at the University of Exeter, followed young children from the preschool years into their school-age years. The finding was striking: children who played outdoors more often at ages 2 to 4 were more likely to show a healthy mental-health profile through age 8 — and for each additional day of outdoor play in a typical week, the odds rose by 6% to 14%. To be clear, this kind of study shows a link, not proof of cause and effect. But it lines up with what outdoor educators see every day: children who spend real time in nature tend to be calmer, more confident, and more resilient.
Why outdoor play works Outdoor play is different from indoor play. Outside, children climb, balance, build, dig, and negotiate with friends in an environment that is always changing. They learn to judge risk, solve problems, and stick with a challenge — a fallen log, a steep bank, a fort that keeps collapsing. The fresh air, movement, and unstructured time do quiet, powerful work.
What this looks like at Little Wise Owls At Little Wise Owls, children ages 3 to 10 spend their program days learning through play in the forests of Chilliwack — in Fairfield, Sardis, and Yarrow — rain or shine, in every season. Our days are child-led and unhurried, guided by certified early childhood educators in small groups. For our preschoolers, that means several mornings or afternoons a week of exactly the kind of outdoor play this research points to.
Adding outdoor days at home You don't need a forest to start. A daily walk after dinner, a mud kitchen in the backyard, or an unhurried hour at the park all count. The research suggests it's the regularity that matters — outdoor time built into the week, not just saved for special occasions.
Come and see it Our 2026–27 year is underway and we have some spots remaining across our programs for ages 3–5s. If you'd like your child to spend more of their week outside, we'd love to show you what a forest school day looks like. Book a trial class or register at littlewiseowls.ca.
*Source: Dodd et al., University of Exeter, Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, published June 8, 2026.
- Mandy
