Why kids should be outside right now

Fifty years ago, it was commonplace to find children playing outside from the time the sun came up until it went down. However, there are so many indoor distractions for kids like video games and television that not as many children are playing outside these days.

It is important for parents to encourage outdoors activities for kids because there are so many benefits to being outdoors.

Here are some great reasons:

1) Exercise

In general, the outdoors provides much more space to run and play than being indoors.

Not to mention most outdoor activities require a lot of movement (i.e. swimming, sports). Children will naturally get plenty of exercise playing outside, which helps cut down on the chances of childhood obesity and other health problems.

2) Vitamins

Letting kids play outside in the sunshine allows them to absorb the vitamin D they need, which is important for healthy bones.

Sunscreen can inhibit this absorption, but that certainly doesn’t mean they shouldn’t use it! Just make sure you give them a few minutes before slathering it on.

3) Creativity

Many parents can be wary of allowing children to do art projects inside for fear of them painting the walls, carpets, and whatever else. Outside kids can play with sidewalk chalk or even do finger painting in the grass. This way they have their fun, let their creativity flow and the house stays intact.

4) Socialising

Kids need to be around other children. It is essential to their socio-emotional development. Take them to the playground, so they can learn to take turns, share, and play well with others. It can also be nice for parents as well because there might be a few other parents there to spend time with.

5) Learn about nature

An outdoor adventure is always a good way for kids to learn about their environment.

Even in their own backyard, they will learn about different plants and insects.

If you are really adventurous you can take them on a short nature hike to really experience the outdoors.

6) Increases attention span

Science shows that children who spend time engaging in outdoor activity are better able to pay attention when needed.

Physical activity engages higher levels of brain activity and makes it easier for children to pay attention and learn.

7) Relieves stress

Children today are far more stressed than their parents realise, which causes headaches, trouble sleeping and other problems. Playing outside is known to reduce anxiety and stress levels in children, which will improve all areas of life.

What are your kid’s favourite things to do outside? Please share in the comments below.

Image courtesy of Shutterstock.com

40 Comments

- - meedee said
  - 12 Apr 2022
    8:18 am
My kids were lucky to have freedoms that many kids dont have. We live in a very small area and so everyone knew my kids so I felt they were safe.

- - mom101628 said
  - 29 Jun 2017
    9:34 pm
So true to all those points. Thanks for putting this post up – kids need to be outside as often as possible.

- - mom94378 said
  - 03 Nov 2015
    11:09 pm
Some of the best memories and lessons to learn are from outside play.

- - 4littlemunchkins said
  - 23 Oct 2015
    6:50 pm
I kick my kids outside whenever I can. They all play sport regularly too. It’s hard in the summer though as where we live they would get scorched in seconds if they were outside until the late afternoon.

- - kat76 said
  - 09 Oct 2015
    2:09 am
My daughter now 5 spends more time outside than most kids i know. She has sensory processing disorder snd because of that we turned our yard into s sensory paradise. We have animals, flowers, vegies, messy play area and the list goes on. I believe thus has helped her in many areas from eating to education

- - jodiev1980 said
  - 30 Sep 2015
    9:55 pm
My kids spend most of their days outside playing on the trampoline and the swing set and in their cubby. I don’t believe being inside all day is good for them.

- - Cynthea Jenke said
  - 30 Sep 2015
    12:03 am
Better homes and gardens have these tents to make

- - dbhall82 said
  - 29 Sep 2015
    10:59 pm
My kid loves the sandpit!! And doing gardening with her nanny
- dbhall82 replied
  
  29 Sep 2015 , 11:00 pm
  I mean with her nan..nanny makes it sound like a babysitter lol!!
- - mom66977 said
  - 28 Sep 2015
    10:25 pm
we love sunshine and fresh days in the sunx
- mom94125 replied
  
  18 Oct 2015 , 5:21 pm
  yep lots of long warm days in the sun or at the beach
- - mom107723 said
  - 27 Sep 2015
    9:51 pm
Great article, this is all we had growing up and we were a fit lot of kids i am still quite fit for 50.

- - Gorgeybee said
  - 27 Sep 2015
    8:24 pm
Yes. Yes. Yes!! Couldn’t agree more. My kids are loving making daisy chains (just like I did as a kid) now that spring has sprung.

- - jellybean01 said
  - 23 Sep 2015
    9:01 am
great article I completely agree…I spent a lot of time outside when I was a kid

- - mom113055 said
  - 18 Sep 2015
    5:18 pm
i remember my kid times

- - Melanie said
  - 14 Sep 2015
    11:49 pm
Being outside and playing beats being inside any day!

- - dixigirl said
  - 10 Sep 2015
    7:49 am
Love going for walks to the park

- - dannsbuild said
  - 08 Sep 2015
    4:56 pm
Kids being outside is really important!

- - mom113055 said
  - 05 Sep 2015
    2:43 pm
fresh air for kids

- - mom81879 said
  - 03 Sep 2015
    4:25 pm
My kids are outside nearly all day if the weather is nice. We build cubbies, have picnics, go fishing, glad to the beach, ride our bikes, go to the park. There are so many fun, family things to do outside….so get out there

- - mom94125 said
  - 22 Aug 2015
    7:20 pm
yes exploring is so much fun though

- - bubble6369 said
  - 12 Aug 2015
    10:15 pm
technology is taking over and consuming not only us but our children!