11 Benefits of Outdoor Play for Kids

Whether they are three years old or 10 years old, kids spend a lot of time on gadgets. But as a parent, you should encourage outdoor play. Playing outdoors is good for children as it improves their physical and mental health. It helps boost their immune system, maintain a healthy weight and improve sleep quality. So, they should spend more time in nature than sitting in front of screens. If you don’t have a backyard they can always go to the nearest park or playground. Read on to learn more health benefits of outdoor play for kids.

What are the health benefits of outdoor play for children?

Outdoor play provides many health benefits for children, both physically and mentally. Published in a 2017 study Journal of Pediatric Nursing found an association between outdoor play and better mental well-being, cognitive development and overall health of children.

Here are some benefits:

1. Physical exercise

Outdoor play encourages children to engage in physical activities such as running, jumping, climbing and biking. These are essential for developing gross motor skills and maintaining a healthy weight, says pediatrician Dr Shantanu Sen.

2. Vitamin D absorption

Children’s bodies produce vitamin D through exposure to sunlight during outdoor play. It is a vital vitamin for bone health, immune function and mood regulation.

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3. Better motor skills

Activities such as swinging, balancing and throwing improve children’s coordination. They also help improve balance and fine motor skills.

4. A strong immune system

Exposure to natural elements outdoors can help strengthen a child’s immune system. This makes them more resilient to illnesses, the expert said.

5. Stress reduction

Adults aren’t the only ones under stress. Children have stressful academic pressures. Outdoor play provides a natural environment for stress relief, helping children relax and unwind.

6. Better vision

Spending time outdoors can reduce the risk of nearsightedness in children. This could be due to exposure to natural light and distant views, says Dr Sen.

7. Social interaction

Outdoor play often involves group activities with other children. These promote social skills such as cooperation, communication and conflict resolution.

8. Enhanced creativity

Outdoor environments offer endless opportunities for imaginative play, allowing children to explore, create and invent games. They need natural elements like sticks, stones and sand.

9. Good sleep

Physical activity and exposure to natural light can help regulate children’s sleep-wake cycles. It improves sleep quality as well as duration.

10. Cognitive development

Outdoor play stimulates curiosity and problem-solving skills as children explore their surroundings. They observe nature and participate in open-ended play scenarios.

11. Emotional well-being

Nature improves mental health and has a calming effect on children, reducing feelings of anxiety, depression and ADHD symptoms. It promotes a sense of well-being and connection to the natural world.

How to encourage children to play outside?

There are several steps you can take to reduce screen time and encourage your child to play outdoors.

1. Set limits

Establish clear and consistent screen time limits for different devices and activities based on age and individual needs. Use tools like parental controls and screen time management apps to enforce these limits.

2. Lead by example

Children look up to their parents and want to do what their mom and dad do. So, be a positive role model by not spending too much time checking phones or watching TV. You should also actively participate in outdoor activities with your children.

3. Create a screen-free zone

Make certain areas of the home, such as bedrooms and dining spaces, screen-free zones. This helps to encourage family interaction and reduce the temptation to check screens.

4. Plan outdoor activities

Schedule regular outdoor playtime as part of daily routines and plan fun outdoor activities that match your child’s interests. This could be biking, hiking, picnics or visiting parks and playgrounds.

5. Provide outdoor toys and equipment

Offer a variety of outdoor toys, sports equipment and materials such as balls, jump ropes, chalk or gardening tools. These help encourage independent outdoor play, the expert says.

You can also discover the wonders of outdoor play with engaging activities for kids.

• Explore nature’s beauty with a scavenger hunt, looking for treasures like colorful leaves, interesting rocks or hidden animal tracks.
• Challenge agility and balance with an obstacle course using items like hula hoops, cones and jump ropes.
• Go on a nature walk discovering hidden trails and diverse wildlife.
• Embrace the thrill of kite flying on windy days, master wind control and aerobatics.

Although indoor play is also beneficial, the unique combination of physical activity, natural light and sensory experiences makes the outdoors a healthier choice.