A natural playground is a play environment that consists of elements and textures from the earth such as tree logs, tree stumps, boulders, plants, and drainage paths, among others instead of a traditional steel playground structure that includes slides and climbers. Elements and textures from nature are used in these playgrounds. These natural landscapes provide opportunities for children to play, explore, imagine, and be challenged by the natural elements. Some key components of a natural playground include: The use of natural materials and textures found on trees, rocks, sand, and other landscaping. Items such as plants, rocks, and animal feeders in an open, natural play space encourage children to collaborate improving social skills, problem-solving, empathy, and more as they work together. Open spaces of grass or natural play surfacing will encourage young children to run, jump, and play games such as tag with each other. Natural playgrounds enable children to move freely around the environment allowing them to explore, run, jump, climb, crawl, feel, smell, and more.