Being near green spaces boosts brain development in children, according to a new study.

A recent scientific study has revealed that green spaces close to home have a positive and lasting impact on children's brain development . Researchers found that children who live or spend time frequently in areas with trees, parks, or natural areas show better performance in key cognitive skills, such as working memory , sustained attention , and structural brain development .

This research adds to a growing body of scientific evidence linking contact with nature with improvements in mental and physical health, and reinforces the importance of designing cities with more vegetation, especially in densely populated urban areas.

The study was conducted by an international team of neuroscientists, psychologists, and environmental experts. They analyzed data from hundreds of children between the ages of 7 and 10 living in different urban environments. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and standardized cognitive assessments, the researchers observed that those with greater exposure to green spaces showed healthier development in brain regions related to planning, concentration, and emotional regulation.

One of the most significant findings was the increase in gray matter density in the prefrontal cortex , a region essential for impulse control and decision-making. Furthermore, children with regular access to nature also showed lower levels of chronic stress , which could partly explain their improved cognitive performance.

Scientists point out that natural environments stimulate the senses, promote active play, and reduce exposure to risk factors such as air pollution and urban noise. This combination of elements can have a protective and strengthening effect on children's neurological development.

Furthermore, urban green spaces provide opportunities for socialization, physical activity, and exploration, all of which are essential for healthy growth. These benefits are especially valuable in contexts of social inequality, where children may lack access to extracurricular activities or safe spaces to play.

Evidence of the positive effects of nature on children's brains reinforces the need to rethink urban planning . In many cities, children grow up surrounded by concrete, with limited access to parks or green spaces. This not only affects their physical well-being, but also their cognitive and emotional development .

The study's authors suggest that investing in green infrastructure should be considered a public health measure. School parks, community gardens, green roofs, and tree-lined streets aren't just aesthetic improvements: they can be critical tools for reducing learning gaps, preventing mental disorders, and promoting equity.

Although urban design largely depends on public policy, there are many actions families and schools can take to bring children closer to nature. For example:

• Encourage outdoor play in local parks or squares.
• Include activities such as hiking, insect exploration, or observation games in green environments.
• Create school green spaces or educational gardens, even in small areas.
• Limit screen time and replace it with contact with nature, whenever possible.

Experts also recommend that schools consider the physical environment as part of the educational curriculum , integrating regular outdoor activities into their learning activities.

The study confirms something many parents and educators have suspected: nature not only relaxes, it also strengthens the mind . Living near green spaces or having frequent contact with them is more than a luxury or an aesthetic detail: it's a necessity for healthy brain development.

In an increasingly urbanized and digital world, fostering children's connection with nature can make a difference in their future. Supporting greener, more child- and environmentally-friendly cities also means supporting a healthier, more equitable, and more resilient society.