Get ready to tumble, climb, and maybe even take a little leap! In this episode of Play Nature Podcast, Rusty talks all about risky play. What is it? Why does it matter? And how can a scraped knee actually be a win?

Rusty introduces the six types of risky play and explores our role as adults in letting it happen organically and free of hazards. He leads us to balance freedom with safety and find the line between letting go and stepping in.

Rusty includes real-life examples and thoughtful insights to help us see how risky play builds resilience, sharpens decision-making, and boosts confidence—without tossing caution completely to the wind.

Stay tuned through the end to hear listener questions centered around Risky Play. Rusty tackles the tricky topic of setting boundaries, knowing when to say no. And he answers a question about how to chat with licensing bodies who might raise an eyebrow at all this free-range fun.

Bottom line? Kids need room to roam, and it’s up to us grownups to create that space—safely, smartly, and with a whole lot of heart.

Resources Mentioned:

ellenbeatehansensandseter.com

10 Ways to Support Risky Play FREE Download

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Rusty’s FREE Outdoor Loose Parts Guide

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