I love getting the kids outside, whether it's to local woods, parks or just in the garden, the outdoors is naturally entertaining so I don't have to work anywhere near as hard as when we're indoors. It also burns off energy so they eat well and sleep better. Bonus!
Have you ever thought about the benefits of spending time outside? It does seem like hard work sometimes, but it's worth trying to make some time for it as your child will learn so much. I'm going to explain the benefits of outdoor play, as well as give you loads of tips and play ideas...
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The benefits of outdoor play
Time spent outside has so many advantages for your child, not only the obvious physical advantages, but emotional, social and cognitive (thinking/learning) too.
Improves physical and mental health
Fresh air and exercise is good for physical health, and nature helps trigger the production of serotonin, the 'happy hormone'.
Gives opportunities to take risks
If we allow children to take playful risks then they will gain a sense of self and good judgement.
Allows more physical exploration
Outdoors play has none of the rules and restrictions of indoors play and pretty much everything can be played with.
Tactile learners can handle and manipulate their environment
Tactile learners are children that focus and learn better when they are handling objects - outdoors spaces are perfect for hands-on learning opportunities.
Encourages imaginative play
Natural materials are 'open-ended', which means they have no pre-determined way to be played with - this allows your child to be creative in how they are used.
Helps play to be spontaneous and unstructured
Outdoors play is mostly child-led, so your child can play in their own way, with a true sense of freedom.
Improves communication and use of descriptive language
Your child can build their vocabulary, through observing animals and plants, talking about their actions or creating new games.
Encourages independence
Outdoors spaces are generally safer environments (no cars for example), so your child can put more distance between you and them.
Gives more physical freedom due to the space
There is more space outdoors so your child is able to move their body in more ways and develop their gross motor skills.
Prompts conversations about the environment
You might see some litter when out, and talk about how important it is to pick it up, or spot some signs of wildlife and talk about how we can look after them.
Increases attention span and memory
A study in Norway in 2017 found that there is a direct link between the number of hours a child spends outdoors and their ability to concentrate and retain information.
Develops observational skills
The outdoors stimulates your child's senses through what they hear, touch, see and feel - it encourages them to be aware of their surroundings.
How to foster a love of the outdoors
We have seen that children have much to gain from venturing outdoors, but sometimes it can be difficult to motivate them to step away from the screen. The best way is to help them gain a natural love and enthusiasm for outdoors play by incorporating it in your daily life. Here are some ideas for how you can spend more time outdoors together:
Go for walks or bike rides as a family.
Show curiosity and interest in nature.
Give your child appropriate clothes and permission to get dirty.
Use nature as play equipment - balance on logs, climb rocks, stomp on mole hills.
Involve your child in gardening e.g. raking up cut grass or watering a window box.
Go camping - if you're not convinced with sleeping under canvas, try hiring a pod.
Join the National Trust or your local Wildlife Trust as they have lots of outdoor spaces.
Carry a pocket guide so you can identify any interesting flora or fauna.
Have picnics at parks or playgrounds.
Visit interesting areas like forests, rockpools and mountains on your next holiday.
Meet up with other families so your little ones can explore together.
Go out in all seasons and weathers.
Free outdoor activities
If you're looking for a little inspiration, here are some of our favourite free activities to do outside with the kids:
Have a scavenger hunt
Look for mini-beasts
Play i-spy
Make some transient art
Look for animal tracks
Sow seeds together
Listen to the birds
Go geocaching
Create a mud kitchen with old pots and pans
Make a journey stick using wool
Climb trees
Use creative tools in the garden e.g. water and a paintbrush
Collect pinecones, feathers etc. for a loose parts collection
There are loads more ideas here in my pinterest board - just click "follow" and you'll have hundres of ideas instantly stored!
If you would like to invest in a book or two for inspiration, we love these:
Go Wild in the Woods by Goldie Hawk & Rachael Saunders
Does your little one enjoy playing outside? Have you tried any of these activities for the first time? Let me know in the comments below!
Have you tried our 10 ways to play with sticks yet?
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