Elly Richfield, education and development manager at kinderzimmer, reveals how the
nursery group has gone about embedding nature and curiosity into its curriculum

If your nurseries are anything like ours, you’re always on the lookout for innovative ways to develop your curriculum and support children’s development. At kinderzimmer, we recently decided to include ‘adventure walks’ in our curriculum. 

Adventure walks aren’t just about stepping outside – they’re about stepping into new ways of thinking, learning and connecting. Rooted in research from neuroscience and nature-based pedagogy, regular outdoor walks offer children opportunities to explore, imagine, regulate, problem-solve and develop physical literacy. They also cultivate a sense of place, community and independence. 

But new ideas, however effective, can fade into nothing if staff aren’t on board, and the innovation is not fully or consistently embedded. How can we meaningfully embed a new initiative into the curriculum across a whole nursery group? And how do we guide teams through this change so it sticks? 

What are adventure walks? 

Adventure walks are planned, purposeful explorations that take place beyond the nursery gates. These aren’t aimless strolls – they’re child-led learning journeys rooted in curiosity. They can include visits to nearby parks, allotments, woodlands, high streets, or even just meanders around the block. 

They don’t require wild spaces, only a willingness to see the extraordinary in the everyday. A puddle becomes a laboratory. A leaf becomes a story. A pigeon becomes a moment of wonder. 

Why they matter (the science bit) 

Neuroscience tells us that movement boosts brain activity, particularly in the early years. Nature reduces cortisol (stress hormone) and increases dopamine (feel-good neurotransmitter). A 2021 study by the University of Exeter found that children who regularly spent time outdoors had better emotional regulation, executive function and social development. Adventure walks also: 

• Foster gross and fine motor development

• Boost language as children narrate what they see and feel

• Improve wellbeing and reduce anxiety

 • Build risk-assessment skills and resilience

 • Promote environmental awareness and community connection

 Benefits for educators – a breath of fresh air 

It’s not just children who benefit – teams do too. Being outside, beyond the same four walls, can significantly lift staff wellbeing. The change of scenery, fresh air and slower pace allow educators to reconnect with their love for play, nature and discovery. It gives them time to observe children in a different light, reduces indoor noise levels, and offers moments of calm and connection. Many practitioners report feeling more refreshed, motivated and bonded as a team after regular outdoor walks. 

Embedding adventure walks across a nursery group 

Successfully introducing a new initiative like adventure walks across multiple settings comes down to one thing – ownership. Change isn’t a top-down instruction – it’s a journey shared by the whole team. 

1. Begin with purpose, not protocols Start with why. Share the neuroscience, the stories and the vision. Frame this not as an add-on, but as a way to deepen what teams are already doing well – observing, following children’s interests and sparking joy.

In one nursery, we began by inviting staff to share memories of nature from their childhood. This opened the door to powerful conversations and authentic engagement. 

2. Start small and celebrate often 

Introduce adventure walks as an extension of children’s daily rhythms. Start with short, manageable trips – around the building, to a nearby tree, or simply to post a letter. One baby room began by wheeling non-walkers in buggies to a patch of grass where they could feel the breeze and watch the clouds. These micro-moments became treasured rituals. 

Quick tip: Create a shared display for all rooms to document their walks – include photos, child quotes, leaves, feathers and local landmarks. 

3. Equip and empower teams 

Change is sustainable when staff feel supported. Offer practical tools: 

• Maps with safe routes near each setting

• A list of local spots to explore 

• Weather-appropriate gear and storage solutions

• Risk-benefit assessment templates 

And most importantly – time. Time to reflect, plan and adapt. 

4. Consistency without cloning 

Ensure each setting has the same vision, but allow flexibility in how it’s implemented. One forest school-inspired site might take weekly woodland treks; another urban nursery may explore local murals, bus stops or markets. It’s not the destination, it’s the way we notice and respond. 

Consistency comes from shared language, shared values and shared celebration – not identical activities. 

Top tip: Use staff meetings to share stories. Encourage teams to talk about what children noticed, asked or discovered. This spreads enthusiasm and ideas naturally. 

5. Reflect and embed 

After the novelty fades, true curriculum integration begins. Encourage teams to: 

• Link walks to children’s interests (trucks, flowers, street signs, dogs)

• Use what they collect or observe in follow-up play and planning

• Build books, maps, and role play around the walk experiences

One toddler room noticed children fascinated by delivery vans during a walk. They created a parcel delivery role play and invited families to bring in recycled boxes. This led to weeks of rich learning. 

Create community connections 

For many children, especially those from isolated or transient family situations, adventure walks offer a first introduction to their wider community. Whether it’s waving at the postman, visiting the local library, or chatting with a friendly shopkeeper, these interactions build a sense of belonging and place. For families new to the area or those without extended social networks, this consistent connection to the neighbourhood can become a vital part of their child’s early experiences. 

Some nurseries have even built local partnerships, receiving donated produce from nearby allotments or creating art displays in shop windows. These small acts weave children into the fabric of their communities. 

Final thoughts 

Adventure walks change children, but they change teams too. They remind us to slow down, stay curious, and see learning in the world around us. Embedding them takes intention, flexibility, and faith in our educators’ creativity. 

Just like children, teams thrive when they feel trusted, seen, and supported. 

Try this tomorrow: 

• Walk the perimeter of your setting and notice what’s just outside your door. 

• Ask the children: “What shall we explore today?” 

• Pick one thing they notice and build a small project around it. 

With a little curiosity and a pair of wellies, the world becomes your curriculum.