August 10, 2026
Think about the last time your child came home from the park with rosy cheeks, muddy shoes, and a huge smile. That afternoon of running, climbing, and exploring wasn't just fun, it was some of the most powerful learning your child can experience. As parents, we sometimes worry that time spent outdoors is time away from "real" learning. But the truth is quite the opposite.
At Runningbrook International Preschool, where we have welcomed over 1,200 families from more than 35 countries since 1993, we have seen again and again how the outdoors becomes a living classroom. In this article, we want to share why time in nature and open air is essential for your child's readiness to learn, their ability to focus, and their overall health, and how you can nurture this at home no matter your family's background or routine.
Outdoor play is far more than a break from indoor activities. It engages the whole child, body, brain, and emotions, in ways that structured indoor time simply cannot replicate.
Research from the American Academy of Pediatrics highlights that unstructured, active play is critical for healthy brain development, and that children benefit enormously from regular time spent outdoors. When children climb, balance, dig, and run, they are building the physical coordination and core strength that later support skills like sitting still, holding a pencil, and paying attention in a group.
Here is how outdoor time supports three key areas:
This aligns beautifully with our child-centered, play-based approach at Runningbrook. Our extensive indoor and outdoor play spaces are designed so children can move freely, take safe risks, and follow their curiosity, whether they are toddlers in our Growing Steps program or older children in Pre-Kinder.
Every child develops at their own pace, and outdoor play looks different at each stage. Here is a general picture of what you might notice, keeping in mind that these are guidelines, not fixed rules.
Babies and young toddlers (6 months to 2 years): At this stage, the outdoors is a feast for the senses. You might see your little one fascinated by the feel of grass, the rustle of leaves, or the warmth of sunlight. Crawling on different surfaces and pulling to stand on a low bench are building strength and balance.
Toddlers (2 to 3 years): Expect lots of movement, running, jumping, splashing, and carrying objects from one place to another. This is the age of "doing it myself," and outdoor spaces offer wonderful opportunities for growing independence.
Preschoolers (3 to 4 years): Imaginative play blossoms outdoors. A stick becomes a magic wand, a pile of leaves becomes soup. You may notice more cooperative play as children begin inviting friends into their games.
Older preschoolers (4 to 6 years): Children take on bigger physical challenges, climbing higher, balancing longer, and organizing complex games with rules. Their growing focus and stamina prepare them well for the demands of formal schooling.
If your child seems more cautious or more adventurous than these descriptions suggest, that is perfectly normal. Children are wonderfully individual, and you, as their parent, are the true expert on what your child needs.
Supporting your child's outdoor development does not require a big garden, special equipment, or perfect weather. Here are some simple, practical strategies you can start using today.
In our multicultural environment, we celebrate that families bring different ideas about outdoor play, risk, and free time. Some cultures emphasize careful supervision, while others encourage more independent exploration. There is no single "right" way, and your family's values are worthy of respect. What matters is finding a rhythm of outdoor time that feels comfortable and joyful for you and your child.
For many families new to Santiago, discovering local parks, cerros, and green spaces becomes a wonderful way to connect with their new home while giving their children the outdoor experiences they need.
You do not need to do everything perfectly. The goal is not a schedule packed with outdoor activities, but rather small, regular moments of fresh air, movement, and connection with the natural world.
Time outdoors is one of the simplest and most powerful gifts you can give your child, supporting their readiness to learn, their ability to focus, and their physical and emotional health, all at once. It fits naturally with the play-based, child-centered philosophy that has guided Runningbrook for over three decades.
Trust yourself. You know your child better than anyone. When you open the door and step outside together, you are giving your child exactly what they need to grow strong, curious, and confident. And that is something worth celebrating.