We often hear that we should send our children outside to “burn off energy”. However, there is so much value to outdoor play, more than we may even realize. Historically, children were outside a large portion of the time. Research is clear, that outdoor play is essential for all areas of health and development. This applies to the adults too, not just our children! Below are 3 BIG reasons why you should care about outdoor play!

Improves Overall Health

Being in nature improves your overall health, specifically how we handle stress. By sending your body into a "relaxation response”. It is shown that being in nature will cause a decrease in blood pressure, a decrease in cortisol output, heightened immunity, a decrease in muscle tension, and an increase in alertness. Blood flow to the brain has also been shown to increase by an impressive 25 percent. 

Essential for Brain Development

Time spent outdoors is essential for brain development. Not only does more time outside equal less time sent in front of screens, it allows our children to think creatively and PLAY. Children learn through play. Not through endless hours of scheduled activities, tasks, and homework.

Outdoor Play Directly Impacts Physical Development

Children who spend a large portion of time outside have demonstrated more advanced motor skills* than their “indoor” peers, including coordination, balance and agility. One study of preschool-aged children* showed a direct correlation between a child’s body mass index and the amount of time they are active outside. 

Practical Tips/tangible takeaways?

• Download a free outdoor tracker from 100 Hours Outside!  Let your kiddos color in a section for each hour spent outdoors. https://www.1000hoursoutside.com/trackers
• Buy weather-appropriate clothing. As the saying goes, “there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” Snow gear for cold weather and snow, rain gear for rainy days, layers for those ever-changing autumn days; all are helpful to make your child comfortable and allow them to play in all weather!
• Play! Playing outside, when your child is used to being inside most of the time, can be a challenge at first. If you are with them and show them it can be fun, this will encourage them to learn to play outside independently as well!

Stuck? PMC can help! Ask your PMC therapist or KidMotion instructor for ideas/suggestions for outdoor play ideas and places if you’re stumped! We at PMC are big believers in the value of play indoors and out!

*Research/data:

-https://www.miracle-recreation.com/blog/why-should-my-child-play-outside-benefits-of-outdoor-play-for-kids/#physical

-https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4571181/

-https://www.1000hoursoutside.com

-https://tinkergarten.com