See How Kansas City Kids Thrive Outside
Explore The Benefits of Nature
Spending time in nature boosts mental and physical well-being, fosters creativity, and strengthens connections—helping kids grow healthier, happier, and more engaged with the world around them.
Nature Makes Kids Happier, Healthier, and Smarter!
Unfortunately, over the past few generations, childhood has moved indoors. On average, today’s kids spend up to 44 hours per week in front of a screen, and less than 10 minutes a day playing outdoors. And for too many kids, regular and safe access to nature is determined by race, income, identity, ability, and postal code. Source: Children and Nature Network
What are the benefits of nature?
Health & Wellbeing
* Bright sunlight can reduce nearsightedness and increase vitamin
D levels.
* Access to nature can foster physical activity, the development of motor skills, and self-confidence.
* Access to nature can reduce the risk of obesity, and increase the likelihood girls will
remain active.
* Learning in nature can support
improved relationship skills and reduce
stress, anger and aggression.
Source: Children and Nature Network
Academic and Social
* Spending time in nature improves academic performance, behavior, focus and love of learning.
* Time in nature results in better social skills and an increase in self-esteem.
Source: Children and Nature Network
Care For Earth
* Meaningful outdoor experiences inspire children to love and care for nature and increase pro-environment behaviors.
* Children who regularly spend time in nature develop stronger emotional connections to people and nature.
Source: Children and Nature Network
Health & Wellbeing
Bright sunlight can reduce nearsightedness and increase vitamin
D levels.
Access to nature can foster increased physical activity, reduce risk of obesity. and increase the likelihood girls will
remain active.
Learning in nature can support
improved relationship skills and reduce
stress, anger and aggression.
Source: Children and Nature Network
Academic and Social
Spending time in nature improves academic performance, behavior, focus and love of learning.
Time in nature results in better social skills and an increase in self-esteem.
Source: Children and Nature Network
Care For Earth
Meaningful outdoor experiences inspire children to love and care for nature and increase pro-environment behaviors.
Children who regularly spend time in nature develop stronger emotional connections to people and nature.
Source: Children and Nature Network
Spending time in nature can improve health and well-being, academic outcomes, and encourages care for the earth.
Explore our Programs
EOCS Nature Club
Join us for nature hikes, bird watching, art projects, identifying native trees and plants, music, and journaling. Nature Club meets during the spring and fall on Saturdays.
ECOS On Demand
ECOS On Demand includes many of the same elements as Nature Club, but offers flexibility to schedule on weekdays and in the summer. Programs are 1 – 3 hours in length.
Wild Kind
Wild Kind is our winter program for 4th – 7th graders that includes hikes, bird watching, and art projects, combined with trying new things and learning new skills.
Eco Lab
We put science in action in our summer Eco Lab program where 9th and 10th graders take part in a first-job experience learning about and monitoring environmental conditions.
Follow Us @GreenWorksKC
Non-Discrimination Policy
We are committed to providing high-quality educational and workforce opportunities to motivated young people living in the urban neighborhoods served by the Kansas City Public Schools. Within this target population, we will not discriminate based on economic or social status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation or physical disability.
