From Leaves to Literacy: How Outdoor Play Enhances Cognitive and Academic Skills

You might be surprised to hear that one of the best ways to support your child’s academic success is to send them outside to play. But from an occupational therapist’s perspective, outdoor play significantly enhances the building blocks of learning.

When children explore the natural world, they’re developing executive functioning skills like planning, sequencing, and sustained attention. Activities such as building a fort or following a treasure map require visual-spatial awareness, motor coordination, and cognitive flexibility.

Research supports what we see clinically: time outdoors can improve concentration, reduce ADHD symptoms, and increase creativity. Unstructured outdoor play also promotes narrative thinking and problem-solving—critical skills for reading comprehension and math reasoning.

So the next time your child needs a “brain break,” consider a nature walk, not a tablet. Outdoor play builds brains, not just bodies.