We all know that children need to play. It’s an important part of all children’s development and learning. But did you know that specifically outdoor play offers kids an additional range of physical and mental health benefits? Outdoor play is key to developing a physically, mentally and socially healthy child. Let’s dive in and explore the multiple ways in which outdoor play can help keep your little ones happy and healthy.
Physical Benefits:
A significant benefit of outdoor play is that it encourages physical activity, which helps improve overall fitness levels, reduce obesity risks, and strengthen bones and muscles. Getting your child to incorporate outdoor play into their daily routine is essential from any early age. Outdoor activities such as running, playing sports, going for hikes or climbing trees are all excellent ways to get kids moving and increase their physical stamina. Additionally, exposure to natural light increases Vitamin D production in the body, which is essential for bone health and helps ward off illnesses such as colds or flu. The physical benefits of outdoor play are endless!
In addition, getting kids outdoors and away from screens is good for their eyes, lungs, and overall general well-being. It gets them up and active, away from the recirculated air inside a home and into the fresh air outdoors.
Mental Benefits:
Outdoor play also provides numerous mental benefits for children. Being outside away from screens may help reduce stress levels by allowing kids to take a break from digital devices while still being entertained by physical activities. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors can also boost creativity in children as they engage with natural elements like leaves, flowers, rocks, sand, etc., which can inspire imaginative thinking. Lastly, being exposed to nature can also have a calming effect on kids; some studies have even suggested that it can help reduce symptoms of ADHD.
Outdoor play also has tremendous social benefits, especially when it involves other children in the activity. Kids get to interact with other children, laughing and learning together.
Mentally and physically outdoor play is essential for kids of all ages. From a physical standpoint, outdoor play encourages exercise and increases Vitamin D production in the body—both of which are important for overall health and gets children physically active. Mentally speaking, outdoor activities provide an escape from screens while boosting creativity and reducing stress levels in children. So don’t be afraid to let your little ones go outside and explore!
While parental supervision is always advised when engaging in outdoor activities, there’s no denying the positive impact it can have on your child’s development both physically and mentally. We should all strive to provide our children with new opportunities to experience the world around them through outdoor activities! So, get your kids outdoors today!