🌿 Foraging, Playdough & Storytelling: The Magic of Nature-Infused Play

There’s something special about taking play outside. The moment toes touch the earth, and little hands start to explore, something shifts. The pace slows. The senses awaken. And play becomes something deeper—more connected.

One of our favorite ways to tap into this magic is with outdoor playdough and natural loose parts. It’s simple, sensory-rich, and completely child-led.

 Foraging Barefoot

We begin with a barefoot forage through the garden. It’s not rushed. It’s a slow, mindful gathering of whatever nature offers us that day:

• Sweet pea spirals

• Mint leaves

• Rose petals

• Rosemary sprigs

• Bark, moss, or a few blades of grass

These items go into our loose parts basket, each one with its own scent, texture, and beauty.

 The Setup

Once we’ve gathered enough, we lay out our playdough in a shady spot—on a picnic cloth, a stump, or even right on the ground. The natural materials invite open-ended play. There’s no right or wrong. No instructions needed. Just pure exploration.

Tiny fingers press mint into the dough. A flower petal becomes a crown. Moss turns into a forest floor.

 Stories Begin to Unfold…

Today, our play became a story. My little wildling placed a small bear into the scene he had created—a forest full of textures and imagination.

He began building the bear a home, whispering a tale about his time in Canada. His memories came alive through his hands. Through play.

This is what I treasure most:

Play that is rooted in the present, but shaped by the stories our children carry with them.

 Why Nature Play Matters

Outdoor, sensory-rich play like this isn’t just “fun.” It’s important. It helps children:

• Deepen their sensory awareness

• Connect to nature and seasons

• Express emotions and stories through play

• Build memory and meaning in everyday moments

And most importantly—it gives them space to simply be.

 Try This at Home:

If you want to create your own version of this moment, here’s what you’ll need:

 Homemade or store-bought playdough

 A basket for natural treasures

 A patch of garden, park, or forest

 Open time—and a willingness to follow their lead

 Final Thought

In a world that often moves too fast, these little barefoot, petal-filled pauses feel like magic. The kind we all need more of.

Let them play. Let the story unfold.

For more support with slowing down and nature play ideas check out my Hygge in the Early Years Training here