Children need the freedom to play, the wonder of nature, and the thrill of risky play to grow wild and resilient. And they need adults who support play!
Together, we can dream big, dig deep, say yes to play, and design the kind of childhood every kid deserves — Play Environments for the Soul — filled with trees, gardens, hills, sand, water, mud, boulders, sunflowers, fire, chickens, and adults who know how to say Yes!
We can make it happen—one mud puddle at a time!
I am a natural playscape designer and author who has spent the last 30 years travelling the world designing and advocating for children's outdoor play. I love it! I believe that all children have the right to play—and we adults can help make it happen in beautiful, engaging, natural environments.
We know it’s a high-tech world out there—but I’m preaching for the opposite: I want to connect children to nature through play in spaces filled with all the good stuff in the real world: Nature. Plants. Water. Mud. Fire. Sunflowers and endless possibilities!
And I know you want to do that too. So, welcome to my site. I’d love to help you with your outdoor play dreams and visions!
Discover the importance of Loose Parts for play and learning. Learn the basics of gathering, safety, and storage of Loose Parts. Get inspired by Rusty's guide of over 100 kinds of Outdoor Loose Parts!
You can create Outdoor Play Environments for the Soul! This practical guide has Rusty's favorite must have play elements to enhance your yard! If you're looking for soulful inspiration, this is it!
We know that Risky Play is important for children's healthy growth and development, but how to support it? This clear guide offers practical tips and strategies to help you say YES to all kinds of play!
Where did you play as a child? In nature? In vacant lots? On the street? In your backyard? Were you a free range kid? All children deserve great places to play. We can help make it happen. Listen to Rusty Keeler’s practical wisdom for ideas, inspiration, and joy!
Dive into the essentials of creating natural play spaces to inspire your children's imaginations and wonder. This course will guide you through the process of designing, drawing, and planning the natural play environment of your dreams!
When it comes to your children's play what is your Yes? This course invites you to reflect on how you currently support play, teaches why Risky Play is important for children's healthy development, and shows you ways to take it to the next level! You will learn practical tips and strategies from the pros to help you feel confident saying Yes to Risky Play.
Boost your children's outdoor play and learning with Loose Parts! This course walks you through where to get the best low-cost (or free!) loose parts, and how to store, manage, and keep them safe for endless creativity in your own backyard!
Consult with Rusty to Design the natural playscape of your dreams or have Rusty guide you through designing and building it yourself!
Bring in Rusty to empower your group to action with his inspiring Keynotes and Trainings!
Check out some of Rusty's "must have" products for your outdoor play space!
Join a community dedicated to bringing the magic of outdoor play to life. The Nature Play Academy community offers exclusive insights, resources, and support from Rusty Keeler and a network of play advocates. Get access to design tips, monthly webinars, a resource library, and special discounts—all focused on creating natural playspaces that inspire and nurture children’s growth. Together, we’ll make the world a more playful, joyful place.
