Benefits of Outdoor Play
“Let Nature be your teacher.”
– William Wordsworth.
In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, children are increasingly becoming disconnected from nature. With a plethora of screens and gadgets available to them, children are spending less and less time outdoors. However, research has shown that spending time in nature can have numerous benefits for both children and families. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of nature play for kids and families and why it is important to prioritize outdoor time.
- Promotes Physical Activity
One of the most obvious benefits of nature play for children is that it promotes physical activity. Spending time outside encourages children to move their bodies and engage in activities such as running, jumping, climbing, and playing. In fact, research has shown that children who spend more time outdoors are more physically active than those who spend more time indoors. Outdoor play also helps children develop gross motor skills and improve their coordination and balance. - Improves Mental Health
In addition to promoting physical activity, spending time in nature has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. Studies have found that children who spend more time outdoors have better emotional well-being, lower stress levels, and improved concentration and attention span. Nature also provides a calming and relaxing environment that can help reduce anxiety and promote feelings of happiness and well-being. - Fosters Creativity and Imagination
Nature play allows children to explore and engage with their surroundings, which can help foster creativity and imagination. Outdoor play provides a limitless playground where children can use their imaginations to create their own games and activities. This kind of unstructured play allows children to develop problem-solving skills and think creatively. - Builds Resilience
Spending time in nature can also help children build resilience. Being outside allows children to experience a range of weather conditions and environmental factors, such as wind, rain, and uneven terrain. This kind of exposure helps children develop resilience and adaptability, as they learn to cope with challenging situations and unexpected changes. - Provides Learning Opportunities
Nature play provides countless learning opportunities for children. The natural world is a classroom in itself, where children can learn about science, biology, ecology, and more. Outdoor play can also help children develop their language and communication skills as they engage with others and describe their surroundings. Additionally, nature play allows children to learn about risk and develop their decision-making skills. - Encourages Family Bonding
Spending time in nature as a family can be a great way to bond and strengthen relationships. Outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and picnicking provide opportunities for families to spend quality time together and create memories. Nature play also provides a break from the distractions of technology, allowing families to focus on each other and enjoy each other’s company. - Provides a Sense of Connectedness to the Environment
Finally, nature play can help children develop a sense of connectedness to the environment. By spending time outside and engaging with nature, children can develop an appreciation for the natural world and understand the importance of protecting it. This kind of connection can inspire children to become environmentally conscious and take action to protect the planet.
In conclusion, there are numerous benefits of nature play for kids and families. Spending time in nature promotes physical activity, improves mental health, fosters creativity and imagination, builds resilience, provides learning opportunities, encourages family bonding, and provides a sense of connectedness to the environment. As parents and caregivers, it is important to prioritize outdoor time and provide opportunities for children to engage with nature. Whether it’s going for a hike, playing in the park, or simply spending time in the backyard, nature play can have a profound impact on children’s health and well-being.
Choosing toys and materials can be so confusing!
Here are some of our suggestions to promote the benefits of outdoor play:
- Rain boots
- Wooden wagon
- Wheelbarrow
- Woven basket (for collecting flowers and nature goodies)
- Garden tools
What does the research say?
There is a growing body of research supporting the benefits of nature play for kids and families. Here are some key findings from recent journal articles:
- Physical Activity: A study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health found that children who spent more time outdoors were more physically active than those who spent more time indoors. The study also found that outdoor play was associated with higher levels of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and reduced sedentary behavior (Bell and Dyment, 2018).
- Mental Health: A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that spending time in nature was associated with improved emotional well-being and reduced stress levels in children. The study also found that children who spent more time outdoors had better attention and concentration skills than those who spent more time indoors (Wu et al., 2018).
- Creativity and Imagination: A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that outdoor play promoted creativity and imagination in children. The study found that children who spent more time outdoors engaged in more imaginative play and had higher levels of creativity compared to those who spent more time indoors (Berman et al., 2008).
- Resilience: A study published in the Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning found that outdoor play helped children develop resilience and adaptability. The study found that outdoor play allowed children to take risks and learn from their mistakes, which in turn helped them build resilience and coping skills (Fjørtoft, 2004).
- Learning Opportunities: A study published in the Journal of Environmental Education found that nature play provided numerous learning opportunities for children. The study found that outdoor play helped children develop their observation and communication skills, as well as their understanding of ecology and environmental issues (Kellert, 2005).
- Family Bonding: A study published in the Journal of Leisure Research found that outdoor activities provided opportunities for families to bond and strengthen relationships. The study found that families who engaged in outdoor activities together reported higher levels of family cohesion and satisfaction (Larson et al., 2011).
- Connectedness to the Environment: A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that spending time in nature was associated with a stronger sense of connectedness to the environment. The study found that children who spent more time outdoors had a greater appreciation for the natural world and were more likely to engage in pro-environmental behaviors (Chawla, 2006).
Learn how to foster a love of reading here!