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It’s not secret that kids have started to play outside less and less these days.
We can see this as we drive by the parks and playgrounds in great weather. I even see moms on social media talk about how empty the parks are all over north America.
I have noticed in the European countries that kids seems to be outside more often, but I haven’t seen it first hand so I wouldn’t really know…but I do see it here in North America, specifically Canada.
Kids in many homes today spend an average of 7-10 hours in front of a screen…everyday! That’s more than half of their awake time.
I know that some days even my own kids spend so much time on screens because I’ve got work to do at home, or it’s raining outside, and I notice the “zombie” effect grow on their faces by the end of the day.
I hate it. I try to do better each and everyday, but I’m not perfect. And if you’re not perfect like me too, then let’s grow together.
I know you know that getting your body moving is super important for you and for your children. Not to mention the effect fresh air has on their sleep and even their eating habits.
I sure notice they eat a heck of a lot more after a long day in the great outdoors!
In this article I’ll go over the science behind the importance of outdoor play – because you don’t just want to take my word for it…and then go over some ideas on how you can get your kids outside a little more often.
What is outdoor play
I know this is a silly question but hey, I’ll answer it anyway just in case you may not understand what I mean by outdoor play.
Outdoor play is where a child goes outside and plays with nature.
Yes, you can play outside on your patio, but I would strongly encourage taking your outdoor play to deeper levels and go out to the nature parks, playgrounds and gardens if you can.
There is a lot of learning opportunity with outside play – and it’s crucial for children to be free and play in the natural world.
11 ways outdoor play benefits children
So science says there are a lot of benefits to outdoor play.
The most important benefits that I see in my children when they spend time outside are the better nights and healthier appetites.
But science does go deeper into it and says that there are far more benefits to outdoor play than you can see in your day to day life.
Improve Gross Motor Skills
Little kids and big kids alike work hard on their motor skills when they get outside. Here’s the science!
They run, jump, balance and swing around when they get opportunities to play outside.
Climbing trees, swinging on swing sets, running in circles and splashing in ponds are such great ways your kiddo can get in some good exercise and work those gross motor skills.
Not only do children get to build their muscles, they get to practice skills and jump higher, run faster, and climb higher the more they get to practice their monkeying around skills!
I mean, riding bikes and scooters in nature parks can bring on such great adventures too! The way they learn to steer their bikes or scooters, or stop them, are great practice lessons for their muscles.
Helps Kids Be Happier
According to parenting science being outside can help kids be happier overall. Breathing in fresh air can help improve moods and lessen emotional problems that many people face today.
It’s An Easy Way To Get vitamin D
When our kids are babies, our doctors recommend we give vitamin D drops to them to get their daily dose of vitamin D. It’s so important to give those drops that the dr and nurses go over it many times before you even leave the hospital!
At least that was my experience 3 times over. Vitamin D is important for bone growth and muscle function!
Lowers BMI
Science says that children who spend a lot of time outside have a lower Body Mass Index.
It’s no rocket science that the more you move, the less chance you have of being overweight. Having kids be stationary in front of screens all day long will only help kids put on weight and grow their BMI.
Even going for a daily walk with the pup can help lower your child’s BMI.
Now it’s not healthy to obsess over your child’s weight, but making sure your child is growing up with healthy habits is important enough to stress over.
Better Overall Health
Breathing fresh air and getting daily exercise leads to better overall health. Paired with a healthy diet for kids, getting outside is very beneficial if you want to raise healthy kids.
Diabetes and cardiovascular illnesses are on the rise in North America, and while research is still being done to figure out why, fresh air and exercise is a great way to try to beat these conditions before they start.
Here is the science behind this statement!
They Get Stronger Muscles!
Swinging on a swing and climbing a tree can really help your child develop their muscles. Even a simple activity such as running or climbing helps strengthen muscles in the legs.
Playground equipment helps children work their leg and arm muscles as they navigate the challenging lay of the land.
Scooters, skateboards and bicycles also promote muscle strength! Personally I take my kids out to ride their scooters a minimum of once a week! We really enjoy bike riding as well, but I can’t fit the bikes in the car so we only go on the bikes when we putter around the neighborhood!
Promotes risk Taking
I know it seems a little crazy but it’s good for kids to take risks. We shouldn’t try to cushion their lives from dangerous actions because then they will never learn how to navigate rough terrain if they get caught in it without you.
Increased Self-Awareness
Children who play outside on a regular basis have better self-awareness than those who spend a lot of time indoors.
Think about it, there are so many things to explore outside! Picking up leaves in the fall, splashing in puddles on a rainy day, or riding a bike on a sunny day are all great ways your child can learn self awareness.
They can literally see the world from all sorts of different angles and become little scientists learning how the world works around them.
The wind blows the leaves around, the rain falls and makes the puddles larger, the bike goes so fast that wind is created around their face.
So much to learn outside!
Creates A Respect for the Environment
Children who spend time outside learn about the environment and how important it is!
Kids get to explore gardens, see how flowers grow, and learn how different animals behave. They can see squirrels run up trees, gophers hide in their holes and even cats stalk them on their walks!
Not to mention all of the interactions they’ll have with ladybugs and butterflies. All the questions that they will ask you about the things they see, they will learn about everything and anything they can about the environment around them.
This is a powerful concept, and one that unschooling children learn the most about.
It Helps Kids Sleep Better
This isn’t specifically sciency, it’s something I’ve noticed in my own children when they get a lot of outdoor play. Science does say that exposure to natural light can lead to reduced stress, which in turn promotes healthier sleep!
Provides Opportunities For STEM Education
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math can all be learned in the great outdoors. Allowing kids to get messy with water play, muddy play, and sandbox play are all great ways to get kids learning their STEM skills – while having so much fun!
How To Get Kids Outdoors More Often
Speaking from personal experience, getting kids outside can be challenging.
Our world is SO busy these days. A stay at home mom isn’t just a stay at home mom, she is expected to work from home and bring in an income. A working mom isn’t just a mom at the office, she has to come home and cook dinner, fold laundry and do bedtime too.
Not saying dad’s don’t have these responsibilities, but typically, these are female dominated activities. Shout out to all the super dads out there who share the load with their wives.
So yes, it can be a challenge to get these kids outside, so how can you do it?
You have to make it a priority.
That’s it!
Honestly, if playing outside becomes just as important as brushing teeth and eating dinner, then it gets easier and easier to get that outside time in.
Personally I like to take the kids outside after breakfast in the summer, and during the school year we stay outside after school for an hour or more before I have to get inside and cook dinner.
So yep, outside time can be increased by simply making it a priority in your life.
Outdoor play structures are important too!
Metal playgrounds and nature playgrounds play a big role in your child’s development.
Metal and plastic playground are created to be a safe and enjoyable place for your child to develop their gross motor skills and cognitive skill too!
Climbing the jungle gyn, swinging from the monkeybars and climbing through tunnels help with strength and coordination.
Playground equipment can help your child get the exercise they need today, and help them crave a more active lifestyle when they get older too.
Outdoor Play For Kids Of All Ages
No matter what your child’s age is, they can benefit from outdoor play.
You’ll notice a toddler play with the simpler equipment such as slides and stepping stones, while your 8 year old will swing from the money bars and climb the tallest towers.
All great activities for both of these ages!
Even if your baby isn’t quite walking yet, exposing them to a playground can help pique their interest and help them get walking and running.
Letting babies explore a playground is just as important as letting them cruise around the house.
You may notice your child start to play with other kids around age 3 or 4, and that’s awesome because it helps them develop social skills!
Now you know the benefits of outdoor play for kids, so get your family into the fresh air – even if the weather isn’t favorable! There’s always a lot to learn in the great outdoors.