Play is serious business! In this episode, Rusty Keeler takes us on a delightful stroll to explore why play matters so much for kids. In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, Rusty explains the ultimate question, what is play?

He talks all about how play should be wild, wonderful, and a little muddy. No instructions needed—just curiosity, imagination, and maybe a hot bowl of “soup” from the mud kitchen.

Rusty shares thoughts on how play is freely chosen, personally directed, and fueled by that irresistible spark of joy. He talks about why it’s crucial for kids of all ages to experience both unstructured play and a little bit of chaos. Forget the rigid academic expectations—turns out, digging in the dirt and building forts might just be what lays the groundwork for future learning.

Stay tuned to the end to hear listener questions answered. Today’s questions cover hill slides and tree cookies.

This episode is your gentle reminder that sometimes the best thing we can do for kids is stand back and let them play. Listen, share, and play on!

Are you enjoying the Play Nature Podcast with Rusty Keeler? Help others find the simple answer of play by rating, reviewing, and sharing an episode with a fellow parent, educator, or lover of mud puddles.

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide

Want to ditch the plastic jungle gyms and bring a little wild back to playtime? Good news--it’s easier than you think!

In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, host Rusty Keeler shares his passion for natural playscapes — think trees to climb, logs to balance on, and mud to squish. It’s all about giving kids the freedom to explore, take risks, and spark their imaginations.

Rusty describes the magic of nature play, risky play, and loose parts play. He’s got tips on how to design spaces that celebrate your local environment, whether that’s a backyard adventure zone or a school playground makeover. He even gives tips for safety concerns and licensing hurdles.

Ready to roll up your sleeves? Rusty’s got easy projects to try, from planting a tree to building a garden bed. So, grab the kiddos, head outside, and start creating a space where nature and play go hand in hand.

Why? Because the best playgrounds are the ones Mother Nature designed.

Rusty’s motto is Dream big. Start small. Never stop. Share this episode with someone else that has a backyard waiting to be adventure-fied.

At the end of this episode Rusty answers questions about making natural playscapes in the desert, how to store all those loose parts, and what you could say a licensor about pea gravel. Don’t miss it!

Links:

Roxaboxen by Alice McClerran

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide

Get ready to get to know the one and only Rusty Keeler—podcast host, playground designer, and lover of all things play and nature!

Rusty’s not just about swings and slides; he’s on a mission to bring kids closer to the great outdoors. From his early days in industrial design to becoming a champion for natural play spaces, Rusty’s journey is packed with passion, creativity, and a whole lot of dirt (the good kind!).

As you get to know Rusty in this episode, he takes listeners on a whirlwind tour of playgrounds around the world! He’s seen it all—lush green spaces, buzzing bees, and kids laughing their way through nature-filled fun.

He shares why play is universal, why nature is the best playground of all, and how we can make outdoor spaces both safe and adventurous.

Feeling inspired? That’s exactly what Rusty hopes for! He’s here to encourage YOU: parents, educators, and communities to rethink play spaces and embrace the beauty of natural environments.

So grab a cup of coffee (or step outside for a breath of fresh air!), and let’s dive into the magic of outdoor play!

**Stick around to the end of the episode to hear Rusty answer listener questions! He’s covering bees (Spoiler alert: Kids and bees can totally coexist!), grass vs. turf, and tools for your mud kitchen.

Learn More: rustykeeler.com | @rusty_keeler_designs

Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide