Simple Loose Parts to Inspire Play

Rediscover the Joy of Messy Play Mud kitchens might sound like a simple childhood pastime, but they hold incredible potential for your child’s development. If the idea of your child getting muddy makes you cringe, you’re not alone—many parents feel hesitant about messy play. But what if you knew that playing in the dirt could spark creativity, foster critical life skills, and even support your child’s health? At Treeline, we’ve seen firsthand how mud kitchens transform outdoor play into meaningful, joyful learning experiences. By the end of this blog, you’ll understand why getting messy might just be the best thing for your child—and how our Mud Kitchen Play Days can help them thrive. What is a Mud Kitchen? A mud kitchen is an outdoor play…

The Power of Nature in Occupational Therapy Imagine your child climbing a tree, feeling the texture of bark under their hands, and hearing the rustle of leaves above. Now imagine that same child is learning balance, building strength, and practicing problem-solving—all while surrounded by the calming rhythms of nature. Outdoor occupational therapy (OT) brings therapy sessions into the natural world, turning the woods, forest, or local park into a place of growth, connection, and discovery. For children with sensory or motor differences, outdoor therapy offers unique opportunities that can’t always be replicated indoors. Let’s dive in and explore why nature works so beautifully as a therapeutic tool, the mental health benefits of time spent outdoors, and how nature can be the “co-therapist” your child didn’t…