Can More Time in Nature Support Children’s Immune Health?
Digging in the garden, collecting leaves and exploring a local park might seem like simple childhood pleasures. But could these everyday experiences also play a role in supporting a child’s developing immune system?
Research is exploring how contact with diverse natural environments may influence the microbiome—the community of microorganisms that live in and on our bodies—and the way our immune system regulates its responses.
One study offers an encouraging insight: bringing more nature into children’s everyday play spaces may influence their skin and gut bacteria, alongside changes in markers of immune regulation.
What did the research explore?
A study published in Science Advances followed 75 children aged three to five across 10 daycare centres.
Researchers introduced biodiversity-rich outdoor areas into four of the centres, adding forest-floor materials, turf and planters. These spaces gave children opportunities to interact with a wider variety of natural materials during everyday play.
The researchers compared these centres with standard urban daycare yards and nature-oriented centres where children visited nearby forests daily.
Children spent approximately 1.5 hours outdoors each weekday, with samples collected before and after the 28-day intervention.
What did they find?
Within just four weeks, researchers observed changes in the children’s microbiome and immune markers.
These included:
Greater diversity in certain skin bacteria, including groups known as Proteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria.
Changes in gut bacteria, including increased diversity within Ruminococcaceae, a group that contains species capable of producing butyrate.
Changes in markers associated with immune regulation, including an increased ratio of IL-10 to IL-17A.
Associations between skin microbial diversity and other immune markers, including TGF-β1 levels and the proportion of regulatory T cells.
These scientific names can sound complex, but the key takeaway is straightforward: everyday contact with a more biodiverse environment was associated with measurable changes in children’s microbial communities and immune regulation.
Importantly, this does not mean the study proved that outdoor play prevents illness or allergies. It was a small, short-term study looking at biological changes—not long-term health outcomes.
Why is immune regulation important?
Supporting immune health is not simply about making the immune system “stronger”. It is also about helping it respond appropriately.
Our immune system needs to recognise and respond to genuine threats while avoiding unnecessary reactions to harmless substances. The microbiome interacts with this developing system, which is one reason researchers are interested in children’s contact with diverse natural environments.
This study adds to the evidence that nature-rich play may be more than a fun activity—it could be one meaningful part of supporting healthy development.
Simple ways to bring more nature into your child’s day
You don’t need a large backyard or a trip to the wilderness. Start with small, practical opportunities close to home.
Explore local green spaces
Visit a park, garden or bushland trail. Let children notice different leaves, textures and plants, rather than rushing from one activity to the next.
Grow something together
Plant herbs, tend a vegetable patch or care for a few pots. Watering, digging and watching plants grow can make nature part of your regular routine.
Make room for nature-based play
Use age-appropriate leaves, sticks and stones for creative or sensory play. Choose clean, safe spaces and supervise young children.
Focus on regular opportunities
Outdoor time doesn’t need to be elaborate. Small, enjoyable moments that fit your family’s routine are a practical place to begin.
Keep the usual safety measures in place: sun protection, handwashing before eating, covering cuts and avoiding animal waste, contaminated soil and unknown plants.
A little more nature, one day at a time
Nature is not a replacement for nutritious food, sleep, vaccination or appropriate medical care. But making space for outdoor play can be an enjoyable addition to the foundations of children’s wellbeing.
Sometimes, a meaningful step towards wellbeing starts with a little more time outdoors.
