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Outside is Therapy: The Sensory Benefits of Summer

The summer holidays are almost here. Six weeks of longer days, looser routines and, if we're lucky, plenty of time spent outdoors.


As an Occupational Therapist, I believe one of the most powerful sensory tools available to children is something wonderfully simple: the outdoors.


Nature provides an extraordinary sensory environment. It's varied, unpredictable and rich in experiences that support children's development and wellbeing. The uneven ground beneath our feet challenges balance and body awareness. The sound of wind through the trees or waves along the shoreline gives the auditory system something different to process. The smell of freshly cut grass, damp earth or salty sea air can have a deeply calming effect on our nervous systems.


Even the quality of natural light, which changes throughout the day and shifts with the weather, offers the visual system something dynamic and engaging.



Why Does Nature Help?


Sensory integration is the process by which our nervous systems take in information from our bodies and our environment, organise it, and use it to respond appropriately to the world around us.


When this process works well, children are better able to regulate their emotions, focus their attention and engage in everyday activities. Nature provides a constantly changing, multi-sensory environment that encourages the nervous system to do exactly this.


Activities such as climbing, digging, splashing, running and rolling down a hill provide the deep sensory input that children's bodies genuinely need.


Two particularly important sensory systems are:


  1. Proprioception – our sense of where our body is in space.

  2. Vestibular processing – our sense of movement and balance.


Both of these systems play a significant role in helping children feel regulated and organised. It's often no surprise that a child who has spent the afternoon in the garden, park or on the beach appears calmer, more grounded and more connected by the evening. Their nervous system has been busy doing important work.




The Senses Nature Nurtures


Proprioception (Body Awareness)

  • Climbing

  • Digging

  • Carrying heavy objects

  • Pushing and pulling

  • Rough-and-tumble play


Vestibular (Movement and Balance)

  • Swinging

  • Rolling

  • Running on uneven ground

  • Jumping

  • Spinning and climbing


Tactile (Touch)

  • Walking barefoot on grass, sand or mud

  • Water play

  • Exploring natural textures

  • Digging in soil


Auditory (Listening)

  • Birds singing

  • Wind through the trees

  • Flowing water

  • Gentle natural soundscapes that don't overwhelm


Visual (Seeing)

  • Natural daylight

  • Watching clouds move

  • Looking at open skies

  • Observing leaves and branches swaying in the breeze


Olfactory (Smell)

  • Freshly cut grass

  • Flowers

  • Damp earth

  • Saltwater and sea air



Simple Outdoor Sensory Play Ideas for Summer


You don't need expensive equipment or elaborate plans to create meaningful sensory experiences. Some of the best opportunities are already on your doorstep.


Water Play

  • Paddling pools and hosepipes

  • Pouring, filling and splashing

  • Ice cubes in water trays

  • Washing toys, scooters or bikes outdoors


Ground-Level Play

  • Walking barefoot on grass, mud or sand

  • Digging and planting

  • Rolling down grassy slopes

  • Lying on the ground and cloud watching


Movement Outdoors

  • Creating simple obstacle courses

  • Jumping and hopscotch games

  • Carrying natural materials

  • Den building

  • Running, climbing and exploring local parks and green spaces


Making the Most of Summer


The summer holidays won't look the same for every family, and for many children a break from routine can bring its own challenges.


But wherever you are, and whatever this summer holds, I hope there are opportunities for bare feet, fresh air and moments of connection with the natural world. Sometimes the most effective sensory support isn't found in specialist equipment or structured activities—it can be as simple as stepping outside.


After all, outside really is therapy.


Eve Mansfield, Occupational Therapist and Special Yoga Practitioner

HCPC Registration Number: OT78074


You can find out more about our Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapy services here, If you'd like to discuss how we can support your child, please get in touch or book an appointment using the button below.




 
 
 

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