The importance of outdoor play

We have always been huge fans of outdoor play but now, during self-isolation, it has become even more important than ever. During the coming weeks and months as we are cooped up inside, getting outside and allowing our children to get some fresh air is going to be paramount and there is no better way than to encourage outdoor play in the security of your own garden.

There are so many benefits to outdoor play – and not just because it tires them out!

1. Builds physically healthier children

Playing outdoors is so important for our children’s physical health, whether that’s running, jumping, skipping, playing football, lifting, carrying or enjoying trim trails. It enables children to burn calories, therefore preventing obesity, strengthens bones and muscles through play and the increase of Vitamin D in the body, plus in turn reduces the likelihood of chronic diseases as they grow. When you hear the phrase, “Fresh air is the best medicine”, it really is! The below infographic from Kompan has some great information.

2. Improves our children’s development

Outdoor play is a great way to improve and encourage a child’s development and this can easily be done with outdoor play equipment in your garden. It develops gross motor skills through climbing, swinging and scooting, as well as fine motor skills through activities such as chalk painting or simply playing in the dirt! I love to see the children playing outside and how even the most simple of activities are teaching them so much.

3. Encourages children to use their imagination

The great thing about outdoor play is that the children can be anything they want to be in the safety of their back garden. A garden brush can become a broom stick, a blanket a magic carpet, playground equipment an assault course or garden shrubs a jungle. Imagination is so important in life and this carries through to academic work in the stores they write and the vocabulary they use.

With Spring finally here and the weather slowly brightening, we are going to be making the most of this time at home to play outdoors as much as possible!