To hike or not to hike.

The Science Behind the Benefits of Nature Hikes for Children: Our Experience at Wild Gully

In our fast-paced world, kids are often stuck indoors, surrounded by screens and structured activities. But at Wild Gully, we know there’s a better way to support their growth—by getting outside and letting them explore the natural world at their own pace. Nature hikes offer children not just exercise, but also mental clarity, emotional release, and the freedom to be themselves. And the benefits? They're incredible! From boosting physical health to improving attention spans and reducing stress, nature walks are a crucial part of the Wild Gully experience.

But we don’t just offer any hike. At Wild Gully, our hikes are child-led, giving kids the autonomy to explore, ask questions, and follow their own instincts. We value their ideas and curiosity, guiding them as they make their own discoveries.

Real-Life Example: A Walk with Our Littlest Explorers

Just last week, our smallest explorers, some as young as one year old, enjoyed a 30-minute nature walk through the park. It was a magical experience! They led the way, pausing to observe the creek and river, listening to the birds, and feeling the textures of leaves and bark under their tiny hands. Every part of nature was appreciated and loved—whether they were running, balancing on uneven ground, or even falling, it was all welcome. Nature embraces them, and we embrace their curiosity.

The joy of watching these little ones experience the world around them is something I’ll never forget. Their fascination with the bird life, their excitement when they spotted something new, and their confidence as they navigated the terrain—it’s all part of the Wild Gully philosophy of celebrating childhood. We let them lead, giving them the autonomy they need to build confidence and independence. Even at such a young age, children are more capable than we often give them credit for, and it’s amazing what they can accomplish when we step back and let them explore.

Physical Benefits: Building Strength and Coordination

Hiking is a fantastic way for children to get their bodies moving. At Wild Gully, our nature hikes aren’t just about walking—they’re about climbing, balancing, and moving in ways that challenge their muscles and coordination. The uneven terrain of the park gives kids a natural obstacle course, helping them develop their gross motor skills without even realising they’re “exercising.” Angela Hanscom, a leading paediatric occupational therapist and author of Balanced and Barefoot, talks about how crucial it is for children to get this kind of physical movement in order to grow strong and healthy.

Even our littlest explorers benefit from the physical challenges that come with hiking. By walking through the park, climbing over logs, and sometimes stumbling along the way, they’re building their bodies in ways that structured, indoor activities simply can’t match. Research shows that children who regularly spend time outdoors have better cardiovascular health and stronger immune systems. At Wild Gully, we see this in action every day.

Mental Benefits: Boosting Focus and Attention

Many parents come to me worried that their children can’t focus, and I always tell them: take your child outside. Research supports what we see every week at Wild Gully—nature hikes are a powerful way to improve attention spans. Dr. Peter Gray, a renowned child psychologist and advocate for unstructured play, talks about how time spent in natural environments helps children reset mentally. The concept of “Attention Restoration Theory” suggests that being in nature allows the brain to relax and recover from overstimulation, improving focus and concentration afterward.

At Wild Gully, we give children the space to explore, observe, and just be. And when they return from a hike, you can see how much calmer, more centered, and ready to engage they are. For children who struggle with focus, like those with ADHD, this time in nature can be incredibly beneficial.

Emotional Benefits: Reducing Stress and Encouraging Resilience

Our nature hikes aren’t just about movement—they’re also a way for children to process their emotions and manage stress. It’s no secret that today’s kids are under pressure, whether from school, social situations, or just the fast pace of modern life. Nathan Wallis, a neuroscience educator, often speaks about how spending time in nature helps regulate the brain’s stress response, lowering cortisol levels and calming the nervous system. At Wild Gully, we see this transformation all the time.

When our little ones hike through the park, they’re not just taking in the beauty of nature—they’re also learning how to manage risk, face challenges, and build resilience. Climbing over a log or navigating a tricky path gives them confidence and helps them understand that it’s okay to fall, get back up, and try again. As Angela Hanscom explains, this kind of unstructured play is essential for developing emotional strength and self-regulation.

Cognitive and Sensory Benefits: Learning Through Nature

Nature is the ultimate classroom, and every hike we take at Wild Gully is a learning experience. Whether it’s observing the different bird species, feeling the roughness of tree bark, or watching the river flow, children are constantly engaging their senses and sharpening their minds.

Research shows that time spent outdoors boosts cognitive function, problem-solving skills, and creativity. Our nature walks encourage children to ask questions, make observations, and connect what they see to what they’ve learned. This hands-on, sensory-rich experience is far more effective than sitting in front of a screen.

Autonomy in Action: Valuing Children’s Ideas

At Wild Gully, we believe in following the child. Our nature hikes are not about setting a destination or keeping to a strict schedule—they’re about letting the kids lead. We value their ideas and give them the freedom to explore at their own pace. When we let children take charge of their own play, they become more confident, more curious, and more engaged.

During our recent hike, some of the children wanted to stop and watch the water flow in the creek, while others were more interested in running ahead to find the next exciting discovery. We welcomed all of it. When kids have the autonomy to choose how they interact with nature, they feel empowered and capable, and that’s exactly what we want to foster at Wild Gully.

Conclusion: Nature Hikes as a Path to Growth

There’s no doubt in my mind that nature hikes are one of the best things we can offer our children. At Wild Gully, we see the benefits every day. Whether it’s improving their physical health, boosting their attention spans, or helping them manage stress, these outdoor adventures are shaping our children into stronger, more resilient, and more confident individuals.

So, if you’re wondering how to give your child more freedom, more movement, and more joy, bring them to Wild Gully. Let them lead the way on a nature hike, and watch as they grow in ways you never expected. Nature has so much to offer—and so do our children. Let’s give them the space to explore it all.

Our Little Explorers leading the way on our nature hike.