Nature play on Dartmoor

There is a gentle kind of magic that happens when nature play on Dartmoor happens. They notice things adults usually step straight past. A patch of moss becomes a small world, a fallen branch turns into a sword or a bridge, and the sound of water can hold their attention for far longer than you expect. Nature play is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to slow a walk down and make it enjoyable for everyone.

This guide shares practical, child friendly ideas you can use on any Dartmoor walk. No equipment needed, just a bit of curiosity and time.

Why nature play matters

Nature play builds confidence in small but powerful ways. It encourages children to explore at their own pace, make decisions and notice details.

These moments help with:

• Sensory learning through touch, sound, colour and movement

• Problem solving and creative thinking

• Emotional regulation in calm outdoor spaces

• Building resilience by exploring uneven ground and natural textures

• Strengthening independence through simple tasks

There is no right way to do it. Let children lead when they want to and offer ideas when they need a spark.

Ten nature play ideas for Dartmoor

These activities work well across most of Dartmoor's woodland, riverside and moorland areas.

1. Scavenger hunt pockets

Look for soft moss, lichen, smooth stones, tiny sticks and interesting leaves. A fun way to slow the pace and help kids tune into their surroundings.

2. Colour spotting

Pick a colour and let your child find as many examples as they can. Dartmoor is full of greens, golds and browns that change with the seasons.

3. Sound collecting

Close your eyes together for a moment and listen. Wind through trees, running water, birds calling and branches creaking. Kids love telling you what they hear.

4. Mini beast moments

Lift logs carefully, check mossy trunks and peek under stones. Talk about being gentle and always putting things back exactly as you found them.

5. Texture trails

Find rough bark, soft moss, smooth granite, crunchy leaves and cool water. Helps toddlers engage with Dartmoor through safe tactile play.

6. Build a tiny shelter or nest

Use sticks, leaves and imagination to create something small and simple. Encourages teamwork and creative thinking.

7. Follow the water

Walk beside a stream and notice how the sound changes. Look for bubbles, ripples and swirling leaves. Always supervise closely near water.

8. Cloud shapes

A quiet moment to lie back on a grassy patch and spot shapes in the sky. Works beautifully on open moorland.

9. Pony spotting from a distance

Teach children how to watch Dartmoor ponies calmly and respectfully without approaching them.

10. Nature art

Make a simple picture on the ground using natural items like cones, leaves and small stones. Leave everything behind afterwards.

Where nature play works best in our directory

These locations from the Dartmoor Partner directory lend themselves naturally to playful, curious exploring.

Yarner Wood

The long boardwalks, bright green moss and gentle bird hide make this a brilliant place for scavenger hunts and sensory games. Children love how the woodland shifts between open and sheltered sections.

Lustleigh Woods (the Cleave)

This valley is full of character. Huge moss covered boulders create natural "rooms" that spark imaginative play. The old packhorse paths lined with twisted oaks and stone walls are perfect for texture trails and mini beast moments. Spring wood sorrel and autumn leaf fall add lovely seasonal detail.

Newbridge Riverside

Kids can hear the Teign before they see it which makes sound collecting really fun. The water moves quickly in places, creating different rhythms to notice. There are calm edges for watching bubbles drift past and early mornings sometimes bring a flash of a kingfisher.

Rippon Tor Rifle Range

Wide open moorland with granite stacks that give children simple climbing challenges. The old marker stones scattered across the landscape make great “spot and find” games. On bright days you can see all the way to Haytor which makes cloud spotting exciting.

Bellever Forest

The warm scent of pine needles, scattered cones and open glades make Bellever perfect for nature art, leaf collecting and gentle imaginative play. Dartmoor ponies often graze nearby so children can practise calm, respectful watching from a distance.

Tips for safe and mindful nature play

A few simple habits keep everything enjoyable.

• Leave everything as you found it

• No picking plants or disturbing wildlife

• Supervise closely near water or edges

• Keep activities short and playful

• Dress for damp ground and changing weather

• Let kids lead when they want to

Explore more

• Best carriers for Dartmoor

• How to explore Dartmoor

• Weather wise walking with kids

• Who looks after Dartmoor?

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Planning your next family walk

If you want simple ideas to build into your next adventure, our directory includes 35 family friendly routes with terrain notes, photos and seasonal insights.

You can view our plans on the website.