Cultivating the Love for Nature in Kids with the Summer Camp Experience of Big Apple Academy

Discover the benefits of summer outdoor exploration and how your child can connect with nature at Big Apple Academy, your trusted East Brunswick day care center.

The Growing Need for Outdoor Exploration in Children

With screens dominating so much of our lives, parents face the challenge of ensuring their children interact with the natural world. Today’s children are spending less time outdoors than any previous generation, which can limit their development and disconnect them from the environment. 


At Big Apple Academy, we believe that outdoor exploration is not just a refreshing break from indoor learning; it’s a vital part of childhood that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and well-being. When children are encouraged to climb trees, explore trails, or watch birds in flight, they’re doing more than playing—they’re learning to appreciate nature. 

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The Benefits of Connecting With Nature for Your Child’s Development

Numerous studies highlight the importance of nature in fostering healthy physical and mental development in children. Here’s how spending time outdoors benefits your child’s growth:

1. Improves Physical Health

Running, climbing, and balancing on uneven terrains improve coordination, motor skills, and overall fitness. Children who spend more time outside are less likely to suffer from obesity and more likely to develop a lifelong interest in physical activity.

2. Boosts Mental Wellbeing 

Exposure to green spaces has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in children. Nature offers a calming effect, helping them build resilience and focus.

3. Fosters Environmental Awareness

Time spent outdoors helps kids appreciate the world around them. This awareness lays the foundation for responsible environmental stewardship as they grow. ï»¿

Here at Big Apple Academy, your trusted East Brunswick day care center, we make outdoor adventures a core part of your child's daily routine to support these developmental stages.

How Nature Stimulates Creativity in Your Kid?

Children are naturally imaginative, but structured schedules often leave little room for free thinking. Outdoor exploration offers open-ended experiences that stimulate their creativity and problem-solving skills. 


Picture this situation and how nature can create enthusiasm:


  • A stick transforms into a magic wand to create a stick man or animal.
  • A leaf pile becomes a treasure to jump and enjoy with friends.
  • A simple hike evolves into a treasure hunt for natural wonders like uniquely shaped rocks or vibrant feathers. 


These moments of imaginative play are critical in fostering creativity, which is a fundamental skill that extends far beyond childhood. When children engage in such creative activities, they develop the ability to think outside the box, approach problems from different perspectives, and generate unique solutions.

Outdoor Exploration at Big Apple Academy in East Brunswick, NJ 

At Big Apple Academy, we pride ourselves on being more than just a daycare near you—we are an educational childcare   center that recognizes the importance of connecting kids with nature. Here’s how outdoor exploration is woven into our curriculum:

Nature Walks

Guided exploration of safe, scenic areas to observe plants, animals, and seasonal changes.

Garden Tours and Picnics

Kids explore nature, enjoy a guided tour, and experience outdoor fun with a picnic in the garden.

Creative Outdoor Projects

Activities like leaf rubbings, nature crafts, and storytelling inspired by what they discover. 

Nature Problem-Solving Games

Games like navigating through a scavenger hunt or working together to solve a giant maze help develop critical thinking and teamwork.

Tips for East Brunswick Parents on Making Nature a Regular Part of Your Child’s Life to Limit Screen Time

1. Schedule Outdoor Playtime

Set aside specific times during the week for outdoor activities. Whether it’s a short trip to a nearby park or spending a morning in your backyard, regular exposure to nature helps foster consistent engagement.


2. Make It Fun to be Outdoors 

Turn outdoor exploration into playful adventures. Create nature-themed challenges such as collecting differently shaped leaves or spotting unique birds.


3. Get the Whole Family Involved 

Lead by example and make it a family activity! Weekend hikes or planting a garden together can be both bonding and enriching.


4. Create an Outdoor Play Kit 

Prepare a small backpack with essentials like magnifying glasses, a notebook for sketching or jotting observations, and a field guide for identifying plants and animals. Your child will look forward to using their “explorer gear.”

Nurturing the Next Generation of Nature Lovers with Big Apple Academy

Interested in seeing our approach firsthand? We invite you to schedule a visit to our East Brunswick daycare center today. You’ll discover how we use nature-based activities to inspire children and encourage learning in the most engaging way possible. 


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