Why Our Kids Need Outdoor Play

This morning I was brave. Very brave. Well, at least I think so – I put Addie in her stroller, my niece Bria in the ergo on my back, and had my nephew Eoin walk alongside me as we strolled to the town center to mail some packages. With three kids under five in tow, I had my hands full! As a reward for their patience while I completed my errands, I brought all three to the playground near my house.

Eoin was thrilled to find a climbing wall and swings, and Bria scampered up a curved ladder she called, “monkey bars.” I almost fell over laughing as she did her monkey impersonation. I was hoping Addie would join in the fun, but she fell asleep during our walk to the park.

It was a chilly day, so I wasn’t expecting the playground to be crowded, but I was shocked to have it all to ourselves. Lately I have come across myriad articles and studies espousing the importance of outdoor play for children. So where were all the kids?

Why Play Outside?

I have seen firsthand, and personally experienced, the benefits of playing outdoors. Addison loves to explore nature, climb on the playground, and dig in the dirt. There are many studies that explore the importance of outdoor play for the growth and well-being of children. One in particular, An Investigation of the Status of Outdoor Play (2004) by Rhonda Clements of Hofstra University, beautifully reviews the finding of these studies. Clements notes that:

When playing outdoors, children grow emotionally and academically by developing an appreciation for the environment, participating in imaginative play, developing initiative, and acquiring an understanding of basic academic concepts such as investigating.

Outdoor play also offers children opportunities to explore their community; enjoy sensory experiences with dirt, water, sand, and mud; find or create their own places for play; collect objects and develop hobbies; and increase their liking for physical activity.

Vigorous movements and play activities can not only enhance muscle growth, but also support the growth of the child’s heart and lungs as well as all other vital organs essential for normal physical development. For example, active play stimulates the child’s digestive system and helps improve appetite, ensuring continued strength and bodily growth

Vigorous outdoor play activities also increase the growth and development of the fundamental nervous centers in the brain for clearer thought and increased learning abilities.

When confined to the indoors, children are more apt to be receivers of entertainment rather than creative, self-reliant, and independent individuals.

Another recent study found that kids who play outside are less likely to develop nearsightedness. Clearly there are physical, mental, and emotional benefits for children who spend more time exploring outside rather than inside playing video games.

So what is a parent to do, especially in these cold winter months? Here are 5 great things I love to do with my daughter, nieces, and nephew!

Go On A Photo Scavenger Hunt

Kids are reluctant to give up their digital toys, so try merging their love of all things technical with an outdoor experience. One thing I do every year with my district’s elementary school students is to take them on photo scavenger hunts. The kids love trying out the digital cameras, and squeal with delight as they explore the outdoors in search of great photos.

Take a Hike

It doesn’t need to be a long jaunt up a mountain – find a local trail, bundle up the kids, and spend some time in nature. This is a great way to spend time together as a family while letting the kids explore their environment, discover animal tracks, and gain a sense of accomplishment.

Play in the Snow

There are SO many things you can do in the snow – sled, snowshoe, ski, snowboard, build snow forts, make snow angels, have a snowball fight, and build snowmen. The opportunities are only limited by your imagination. As kids, my sister and I would spend hours playing in our backyard, kept warm by our thick winter coats and bubbling enthusiasm. In high school, we would steal trays from the dining hall and slide down the hill next to the school’s chapel. Nowadays we play with our little ones in the snow, and they LOVE it! Even my high school students revert to their younger selves when playing in the snow.

Head to the Local Playground

Kids love swinging, climbing, running, and jumping. The local park and playground is a great place, especially for the younger crowd, to do these things in a safe environment. Even during the winter, playgrounds are functional – and a big pile of snow under the swings can make an awesome landing pad.

Ice Skate

As a very young child, I took figure skating lessons. In high school, I was on the ice hockey team. When we weren’t practicing in the rink, we skated on a local pond. Though I would advise extreme caution if choosing to skate on a frozen body of water, especially with the little ones, a great alternative is skating in an outdoor rink. A lot of places create temporary rinks just for the winter months. Though not as fun, there are always indoor rinks, and they still function well for getting little bodies moving!

These are just some ideas. What do you do to get the kids outside during the winter?