6 Reasons Outdoor Classrooms Are the Future of Education
At Creative Nature Academy, we envision a world where every person has opportunities to spend time in and connect with nature, nourished and awakened by the awe and wonder of their own journey into curiosity, allowing the whole child within them to thrive and flourish.
It’s no secret that kids are spending more time indoors than ever before. Research shows that the average child in the U.S. spends only 4 to 7 minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play—compared to over 7 hours in front of a screen. For the first time in human history, children are spending the majority of their waking hours indoors. Just three generations ago, kids roamed fields, climbed trees, and spent entire afternoons playing outside with little supervision. Today, their world is increasingly confined to classrooms, cars, and screens.
At the same time, packed schedules and the hustle of modern life have transformed childhood from a time of exploration into a series of back-to-back activities. The mud-stomping, tree-climbing, wonder-filled adventures of the past are fading. In this article I will pain a picture of why nature isn’t just a nice backdrop for education—it is education. And the research? It’s on our side. The future of education must embrace more time outdoors.
As a mother and outdoor educator, I have witnessed firsthand how time outside transforms both children and adults. Behavior, emotions, and even physical well-being shift—emotional regulation improves, focus sharpens, posture straightens, and spirits brighten, often after just a short time outdoors. And the best part? These benefits don’t require an epic destination—even plants growing through the sidewalk or rainwater rushing downhill on a side street will do.
When I taught in a traditional classroom, the impact of outdoor time was undeniable. After extended recess, fidgeting eased, wandering minds refocused, disruptive behaviors faded, and students simply seemed happier and more centered. The opposite was just as true. When inclement weather forced indoor recess, teachers let out a collective sigh—not just because their planning time turned into recess duty, but because they knew what was coming: restless energy, shortened attention spans, and a shift away from the calm that time outside naturally provides.
Experiencing these shifts firsthand, I began advocating for more outdoor time in education. Early on, I faced pushback and excuses—there wasn’t much scientific evidence to support what I had observed. But as I continued down the path that led me to founding a nature school, research caught up. Studies emerged, validating what I had seen all along: time outside isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.
6 Reasons Outdoor Classrooms Are the Future of Education
1. Parents Are Driving the Future of Education Toward Outdoor Classrooms
Parents today are witnessing a stark contrast between their own childhoods and those of their children. Many grew up with the freedom to roam their neighborhoods, climb trees, and play outside until dusk. Now, they watch as their children spend more time indoors, tethered to screens, with limited opportunities for outdoor exploration. A 2020 study by Common Sense Media found that children under eight spend an average of 2.5 hours per day on screens, while time spent in unstructured outdoor play continues to decline.
As awareness of the developmental benefits of outdoor experiences grows, more parents are actively seeking alternatives to the traditional classroom model. Research published in The Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning shows that children who engage in outdoor risk-taking activities—such as climbing, balancing, and exploring natural terrain—develop stronger problem-solving skills and greater emotional resilience. These foundational life skills cannot be replicated in a classroom filled with desks, worksheets, and digital screens.
This growing demand is shaping the future of education. Parents are no longer content with schools that limit outdoor experiences to a short recess period. They want integrated outdoor learning woven into the curriculum, ensuring their children receive a holistic education that prioritizes creativity, resilience, and hands-on engagement with the real world. Many families are already making choices that reflect this shift—opting for forest schools, homeschool co-ops, and private nature-based programs over traditional public school settings.
If public school systems fail to adapt, they risk losing students—and funding—to alternative education models that embrace outdoor learning as an essential component of childhood development. Parents are driving this change, and as more families seek learning environments that reflect their values, schools that do not evolve will continue to see declining enrollment. The future of education will not be dictated solely by policy decisions but by the collective choices of parents who recognize the profound benefits of nature-based learning and demand more for their children. Outdoor classrooms are not just an innovative option—they are the direction education must take to remain relevant in a world where families are taking learning into their own hands.
2. Teachers See Outdoor Classrooms as the Key to Student Success
Teachers are increasingly advocating for outdoor classrooms—not just for recess, but as a fundamental shift in the way education is delivered. Across the country, educators are pushing for more time spent outside, recognizing that outdoor learning not only enhances lessons but also benefits both students and teachers. A growing body of research supports what many have already observed firsthand: time outdoors improves concentration, boosts mood, and fosters deeper engagement in learning.
This movement is already gaining traction, with teachers integrating outdoor learning into their daily routines. Schools that have adopted outdoor classrooms report increased student enthusiasm, improved behavior, and stronger connections between subjects and real-world applications. Instead of viewing the outdoors as a separate or supplemental learning space, teachers are using it to amplify subjects across the curriculum, from science and math to literacy and art. This shift is not just theoretical—teachers who experience it themselves feel the benefits, becoming energized, more present, and more engaged alongside their students.
Professional development programs are helping educators make this transition seamlessly. Organizations such as the Natural Start Alliance and the Outdoor Learning Initiative offer hands-on training that equips teachers with the skills and strategies needed to confidently take their lessons outdoors. These programs focus on classroom management in open spaces, curriculum alignment, and practical ways to harness nature’s resources for deeper learning. The more teachers experience outdoor instruction, the more they realize the advantages far outweigh any initial hesitations.
Consider a third-grade math lesson on fractions. In a traditional classroom, this might involve worksheets and drawn diagrams on a whiteboard. But outside, fractions become tangible. Students can divide leaves, measure and compare the lengths of sticks, or explore symmetry in flowers. A simple task like cutting an apple into halves, thirds, and quarters turns into a hands-on, multi-sensory experience that deepens understanding. This kind of active, real-world learning not only reinforces academic concepts but also fosters creativity, collaboration, and a sense of wonder.
As more teachers embrace this shift, it becomes clear that outdoor education is not just a passing trend—it’s a necessary evolution. The perceived challenges of outdoor learning are quickly replaced by the undeniable rewards, both for students and the educators guiding them. Given the right training and opportunities, teachers are discovering that stepping beyond the walls of their classrooms opens the door to limitless learning possibilities.
3. The Science is Clear: Outdoor Learning Boosts Success
The body of scientific research supporting outdoor learning is vast and compelling. Studies have consistently shown that time spent outdoors has a profound impact on cognitive development, emotional regulation, and physical health. According to a study published in Frontiers in Psychology, children who engage in outdoor learning demonstrate improved attention spans, enhanced memory retention, and greater problem-solving skills. This is largely attributed to the reduction of cognitive overload when immersed in natural settings, which allows for deeper learning and information processing.
These findings directly impact student success in learning. When students can focus better, retain information longer, and engage in higher-order thinking, academic achievement naturally improves. Outdoor classrooms provide the ideal setting for this by fostering curiosity, reducing classroom stressors, and encouraging movement, which further supports cognitive function. Research from the American Institutes for Research shows that students in outdoor education programs perform up to 27% better on standardized science tests compared to their peers in traditional indoor classrooms. This data highlights that the benefits of outdoor education are not just anecdotal but measurable and repeatable.
Improved academic achievement driven by outdoor learning is a crucial factor in shaping future educational policies. As more schools see higher performance metrics from students who spend increased time outside, policymakers will be pressured to adopt formal protocols that require outdoor classrooms as an integral part of educational programs. Countries such as Finland and Denmark have already begun integrating outdoor education into their national curricula, seeing significant positive outcomes in both student engagement and test scores. If similar approaches are adopted more widely, we may soon see outdoor education becoming a mandated standard rather than an alternative option.
Beyond cognitive benefits, outdoor time has been linked to better emotional well-being. A 2019 study in Nature Scientific Reports found that children who spend at least two hours a week in natural environments report significantly higher levels of happiness and reduced stress compared to their peers who spend more time indoors. Additionally, exposure to natural elements like trees, water, and fresh air has been proven to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. Lower stress levels mean students are better equipped to handle challenges, engage with difficult material, and maintain motivation throughout the school day. This creates an environment where learning thrives, not just academically but socially and emotionally.
From a physical health perspective, research has demonstrated that time outdoors contributes to improved immune function and overall physical fitness. The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that children who engage in outdoor play have lower rates of obesity, stronger cardiovascular health, and reduced risk of developing myopia (nearsightedness). Given the rise in childhood obesity and screen-related eye strain, integrating outdoor classrooms into daily learning is not just beneficial but essential for long-term health. Healthier students are better learners, as physical well-being is closely linked to cognitive performance and energy levels. Schools that prioritize outdoor education see fewer absences, increased engagement, and a noticeable shift in student enthusiasm for learning.
The increasing body of scientific research supporting outdoor learning will inevitably push educational institutions and policymakers toward reform. If educational standards begin requiring a portion of the school day to be conducted outside, the traditional model of learning could evolve into a more dynamic, nature-integrated experience that fosters not only academic excellence but also lifelong well-being. As we look ahead, the mounting evidence leaves little doubt—the future of education is rooted in the natural world, where knowledge is not just acquired but experienced.
4. Outdoor Classrooms Align with Who We Are as Humans
Humans have evolved in direct relationship with the natural world, yet modern life has increasingly distanced us from it. For most of human history, people spent the majority of their lives outdoors—hunting, gathering, farming, and learning in direct connection with the land. It is only in the past few generations that we have seen a dramatic shift toward indoor living, and with it, a rise in numerous physical and mental health issues. Studies now show that the disconnect from nature is contributing to heightened anxiety, depression, and stress-related illnesses.
Research in the field of biophilia—the inherent human tendency to connect with nature—suggests that this detachment from the natural world can lead to a decline in overall well-being. Harvard biologist E.O. Wilson, who coined the term, argues that fostering connections with nature is not just enjoyable but a fundamental human need. Reclaiming this connection is not about nostalgia—it is about restoring a balance that is essential for human health and learning.
Children who regularly engage with nature develop stronger sensory integration, emotional resilience, and a deeper sense of self. According to a 2018 study in The Journal of Environmental Psychology, students who participated in outdoor education programs demonstrated higher levels of curiosity, intrinsic motivation, and a sense of belonging compared to their peers in traditional indoor settings. This is because nature fosters unstructured play and imaginative exploration, both of which are critical for cognitive and emotional development.
Furthermore, natural environments align with human circadian rhythms, promoting better sleep patterns and overall physical balance. The body’s natural response to sunlight exposure includes the regulation of melatonin production, which directly influences sleep quality and mood stabilization. By embedding education within nature, outdoor classrooms create an environment that supports both physiological and psychological well-being, reinforcing what it means to be human.
As awareness grows about the consequences of modern indoor living, there is a paradigm shift happening. People are recognizing the need to reconnect with the natural rhythms of the universe—not as a step backward, but as a leap toward a healthier, more sustainable future. Unlike the bleak portrayals of a disconnected and digitalized world often presented in media, this movement represents a reclamation of our natural state. By prioritizing outdoor learning, we are not just giving children better educational opportunities—we are redefining what it means to thrive as humans in a world that is calling us back to balance.
With a growing movement toward nature-based education, outdoor classrooms provide the opportunity for students to embrace this shift. By integrating outdoor learning into daily education, we empower future generations with the ability to think critically, regulate emotions, and remain in tune with both themselves and the world around them. This is not just an educational reform—it is a societal transformation that will shape the way we move forward as a species.
The future of education is not only about technological advancements or new methodologies; it is about rediscovering the core of what makes us human. Outdoor classrooms are not just an option—they are a necessity in reclaiming our natural ability to learn, grow, and thrive within the world we are intrinsically connected to.
5. The Future of Our Planet Starts in Outdoor Classrooms
“If we are to preserve the environment, we must first understand it.” This concept is captured in the sentiment, “Why would anyone want to protect the habitat of a butterfly if they’ve never seen one?” As urbanization and technological advancements accelerate, many children grow up disconnected from the natural world. A 2017 study by The Children & Nature Network found that children who engage in nature-based education are more likely to develop pro-environmental attitudes and behaviors in adulthood. The simple act of regularly engaging with nature fosters a sense of responsibility for the planet, instilling a deep understanding of how human actions impact the world around us.
Shockingly, even language is shifting away from nature. The Oxford Junior Dictionary has removed words like “acorn,” “willow,” and “dandelion,” replacing them with terms such as “blog” and “chatroom.” This cultural shift represents a deeper issue—children are losing familiarity with the very ecosystems that sustain life on Earth. Without firsthand knowledge of nature, future generations may lack the awareness and motivation needed to address environmental challenges. This detachment from the natural world hinders problem-solving and creativity, two essential qualities needed to navigate the complex environmental issues of the future.
Outdoor classrooms offer an antidote to this crisis by embedding environmental literacy into education. By immersing students in hands-on ecological learning—studying local habitats, engaging in conservation efforts, and observing interconnected ecosystems—children develop a personal investment in the health of the planet. More than just passive observers, they become active participants in creating sustainable solutions. A 2021 study published in Environmental Education Research found that students who learn through outdoor experiences are more likely to develop critical thinking skills and demonstrate long-term environmental stewardship.
We are at a crossroads. The future of our planet will be determined by how well today’s students understand and respond to environmental challenges. Outdoor education fosters the foresight and adaptability needed to create new solutions for problems such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. By shifting the education model to include nature-based learning, we equip future generations with the ability to reimagine possibilities, innovate in harmony with natural systems, and lead with a sense of global responsibility.
This shift is not simply a matter of learning facts about nature—it is about reconnecting with the natural world in a way that fosters creativity and resilience. While some may see the future as a bleak trajectory of environmental degradation, outdoor classrooms create an alternative vision: one where children are empowered to think critically, where they engage in hands-on restoration projects, and where they gain the knowledge and confidence to challenge unsustainable practices.
Importantly, the future is not a binary outcome of either catastrophe or salvation; there are a multitude of possibilities. Outdoor education provides the space for students to explore these possibilities and shape the future in ways we cannot yet imagine. By embedding sustainability, curiosity, and ecological awareness into daily learning, we are not only ensuring the survival of humanity but also fostering a more harmonious relationship with all species on Earth. The movement toward outdoor classrooms is not just about education—it is about shaping a generation of changemakers who will lead us into a better future.
Outdoor classrooms are not just a hopeful vision; they are an urgent necessity. If we want a world where future generations live in balance with the planet, we must start by transforming the way we educate today’s children. The future of Earth depends on it.
6. The Learning Model That Shapes Thinkers, Doers, and Leaders
The traditional education system is increasingly being criticized for its rigid, one-size-fits-all approach. Standardized testing, prolonged sedentary time, and curriculum constraints fail to nurture the creativity and adaptability needed in today’s world. Post-pandemic, more parents than ever are seeking alternative education models that foster critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving.
Outdoor classrooms have demonstrated significant success in enhancing student learning and engagement. By moving beyond the confines of traditional indoor settings, these educational environments foster hands-on, experiential learning that resonates with students. Research from the National Wildlife Federation indicates that students in outdoor settings exhibit higher engagement levels, deeper information retention, and increased enthusiasm for learning compared to their peers in conventional classrooms. This approach nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and real-world problem-solving skills—attributes essential for success in today's dynamic world.
Local examples underscore the effectiveness of outdoor education. Blandford School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, offers a curriculum deeply integrated with nature. Serving sixth-grade students, Blandford emphasizes environmental stewardship and experiential learning. The results are compelling: the school ranks in the top 1% statewide, with 80-84% of students achieving proficiency in both math and reading, significantly surpassing state averages.
Similarly, CA Frost Environmental Science Academy in Grand Rapids provides an environmental-focused education from elementary through high school. While specific test scores vary, the academy's commitment to integrating outdoor learning experiences has been instrumental in fostering environmental awareness and critical thinking among its students.
These institutions exemplify how outdoor classrooms can transform education. Students not only achieve academic excellence but also develop a profound connection to the environment, fostering a sense of responsibility and stewardship. This holistic development prepares them to navigate and address complex global challenges.
Reflecting on personal experiences, such as my son’s time at these schools, further illustrates the lasting impact of outdoor education. His continued enthusiasm for daily outdoor activities and heightened environmental awareness are testaments to the effectiveness of this educational model. The benefits extend beyond academic success, shaping lifelong learners who remain curious, engaged, and attuned to the world around them.
Conclusion
Outdoor classrooms are not a radical idea—they are a return to what education was always meant to be: engaging, immersive, and deeply connected to the real world. By shifting learning beyond four walls and into the living, breathing environment that surrounds us, we are providing students with the skills and mindset necessary to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
The future of education is not just about teaching facts—it is about fostering curiosity, adaptability, and resilience. Outdoor learning prepares students not only to excel academically but to navigate life’s challenges with creativity and confidence. The success of institutions like Blandford School, CA Frost Environmental Science Academy, and Creative Nature Academy proves that when we trust nature as a teacher, students thrive.
Imagine a future where every child has the opportunity to learn under open skies, to study ecosystems firsthand, to see math and science come alive in the natural world. We are at a pivotal moment, and the path forward is clear: outdoor classrooms must become an integral part of education everywhere.
The time for change is now. Educators, parents, and policymakers must unite to ensure that the next generation grows up not only with knowledge but with a sense of responsibility, creativity, and connection to the world around them. Outdoor education is not a luxury—it is the foundation for a brighter, more sustainable future. The future of education is outside, and it starts today.