Natural Learning Initiative

Meaningful Play Experiences for Children in Nature

The Natural Learning Initiative (NLI) is a research and design assistance program of the College of Design of North Carolina State University. NLI creates environments for healthy human development and a healthy biosphere for generations to come. The purpose of the Natural Learning Initiative is to promote the natural environment in the daily experience of all children and families, through environmental design, action research, education, and dissemination of information.

Dr. Joe Frost Free, spontaneous play and outdoor playscapes, both natural and built, are essential for the fitness, health, and development of children and for their adaptation to their culture, society, and world.

Robin Moore If we are going to solve the problem of sedentary childhood, we have no choice but to refocus intense professional attention on design for outdoor free play in everyday naturalized settings.

Natural Learning Initiative

GameTime's parent company, PlayCore, partnered with the Natural Learning Initiative to develop two comprehensive design programs, NatureGrounds and Pathways for Play, to promote and encourage meaningful play experiences for children in nature.

Learn more at www.naturalearning.org.