Outdoor play is scientifically associated with healthy brain development, healthy physical development and higher levels of creativity. It’s also been shown that these benefits can extend into adulthood. Yet, many families struggle to get their kids to play outdoors in modern times.
The biggest culprit is the allure of screens; computers, phones and gaming systems keep kids rooted to the couch or “gaming chairs,” while the only physical activity takes place in their fingers and thumbs as they manipulate a joystick or gaming controller. Meanwhile, these kids lose muscular definition and miss out on all the benefits of playing outside.
Outdoor Play Sparks Creativity
Kids of all ages need playtime to spark creativity. Outdoor play in particular fosters
creativity because there are broader uses for playground equipment than most indoor play sets and toys. For instance, a doll or action figure are good for mimicking motherhood or playing superhero. But playground equipment can become an island jungle with an imagined sea of water surrounding it; a slide can become a space portal to another planet.
Kids can play in all kinds of ways on playground equipment; they can race one another to the other side, play tag, or have fun competitions like faux Olympic games. Outdoor play is limited only by the child’s imagination.
Outdoor Playtime Generates Vitamin D Production
Did you know that there are two types of vitamin D? They are vitamin D2 and vitamin D3. While your child may get extra vitamin D from things like fortified milk, the best source of vitamin D is the kind that your body makes from sun exposure. Low vitamin D levels have been linked to depression and muscle weakness as well as other conditions. But with adequate sun exposure, your child’s body can manufacture all the vitamin D it needs to remain healthy.
Even winter outdoor play promotes vitamin D production from the sun, since the sun’s rays are reflected off of snow. Just like sun block is needed in summer, sun block is useful in winter. Just don’t overdo it, so that your child can get that small bit of sun exposure from outdoor play in winter.
Physical Activity in Winter is Crucial
Almost everyone tends to be less active in winter. It’s cozy to curl up with your child inside with a book and a mug of hot cocoa. But it’s equally enjoyable to have outdoor play in winter. In fact, winter is an optimal time to bring the kids to the park where playground equipment is available. Physical activity in winter promotes healthy lungs, for a start.
Outdoor air is refreshed and purified from snowfall, and the airborne allergens of summer, fall and spring are non-existent in winter. The cold air is also rejuvenating, bolstering circulation and speeding up metabolism. These are all important factors that play into your child’s overall health. While you would never want to force kids to play outdoors in winter on dangerously cold days, it’s perfectly fine to dress kids appropriately and have them enjoy small increments of time outside when temperatures are frosty.
Times have changed and parents have to make more effort to get kids to play outdoors. But outdoor play all year round has so many healthful benefits that it’s worth every ounce of effort.
At Churchich Recreation we understand the benefits of outdoor play. Contact us today to learn more about our full-service, turnkey one-of-kind playground experience.