Nature Preschools as Promoters of Physical Activity

Abstract

Preschools and other early childhood education and care settings are influential in the promotion of physical activity (PA) for young children. This study utilized the Yamax Digiwalker pedometer and a quasi-experimental design to quantitatively explore the influence of nature preschools on the PA of 154 preschool-aged children. Results suggest that nature preschools support sufficient PA; furthermore, participants were able to achieve recommended PA during cold and wet months through unstructured nature play. These findings suggest that nature preschool offers another method for increasing PA, even during winter months. The results also point to the important role unstructured play has in children's overall well-being. Implications for practice and further research are discussed.