The Importance of Outdoor Play for Children
The Importance of Outdoor Play for Children
Outdoor play is an essential part of a child’s healthy physical, cognitive, social and emotional development. Sadly, children today spend half as much time outdoors as their parents did. Being outside improves:
For so many of us, playing in nature is a fundamental part of childhood itself, teaching us to be creative (one study showed an 81% increase in creativity after a walk outside), patient, and cooperative with our playmates. After all, some of the best games are those played bare foot in an open grassy field, with friends and some made up rules.
PHYSICAL BENEFITS
Being outside is so intrinsically wholesome it’s no surprise that children who do it more often are simply healthier and happier. Outdoor play offers sensory opportunities that simply can’t be replicated indoors. Benefits included stronger muscles and bones, better coordination and balance, robust immune systems and a range of sensory delights for your child to relish. Outdoor play helps children master the gross and fine motor skills needed to climb trees, play tag, roll down hills, and investigate seemingly every muddy puddle they can.
Importantly, while your child is outside playing, there are a few things they’re not doing: like sitting passively staring at a screen, or slouching in front of a TV. Children under eight spend nearly 4X as much time in front of screens as they did in 2013. Childhood obesity is a growing concern, but outdoor physical activity goes a long way to keeping your child at a healthy weight. Research also tells us that children are more likely to catch viruses and bacteria indoors when in close contact with others, whereas being in nature supports a healthy gut microbiome and immune system.
A 2015 study of nearly 3,000 preschool-aged kids found that the more children played outdoors, the more their BMI decreased.
Just 15-20 minutes of time outside each day can help increase Vitamin D stores, which is critical for immune health
Kids who spent more time outside were 23% less likely to develop nearsightedness
Being exposed to a wide range of microbes lessens the likelihood of developing asthma or allergies
COGNITIVE BENEFITS
Children seem to wake up in the morning almost literally bursting with energy – if you’ve noticed that they’re happier and calmer when this energy is “drained” you’ll probably agree with the “surplus energy” theory, which sees playtime as a healthy way to discharge pent up energy. Once they’ve had a chance to run and play, children may be more relaxed and ready to focus on academic learning.
But outdoor fun is itself a way to learn. Under the age of 11, children’s developing brains still favor concrete, symbolic and sensorimotor engagement with the world. They learn best through imaginative play, engaging their senses and moving their bodies in space. In the process, they learn problem-solving skills, better confidence, critical thinking skills and heightened independence.
Scientists believe exposure to certain kinds of bacteria in soil may increase learning capabilities.
“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.”
EMOTIONAL BENEFITS
How many adults do you know with fond childhood memories centered around nature and being outdoors? Enjoying the fresh air and being surrounded by living things not only reduces stress, calms anxiety and depression, and improves focus and memory, but it can foster a deep love for the environment. Connecting with the earth in curiosity, respect and playfulness is a privilege that’s sadly harder and harder to find in our isolated, digital lives.
Experts say increasing outdoor time could protect kids from ADHD, antidepressant use, and high levels of anxiety.
HOW MUCH?
How much outdoor play does a child need to reap these benefits? Experts agree that a minimum of 60 minutes a day is best, but only 5.7% of children are getting this much. There’s a bright, beautiful world out there to explore – and you can help your child explore it. Being outside in the fresh air and sunshine is wonderful for the whole family.
