The benefits of outdoor play
Getting outside gives children the chance to move, explore and experience the world around them. Outdoor play doesn't need to be complicated or involve a big day out. Even a short time in the garden, park or local area can create opportunities for play and discovery.
Outdoor play encourages movement
Running, jumping, climbing and balancing all give children opportunities to practise moving their bodies. Outdoor spaces often provide more room for children to move freely and try different types of physical play.
It doesn't have to be organised exercise. Chasing games, obstacle courses, races and simply exploring can all get children moving while they play.
It creates opportunities to explore
The outdoors is full of things for children to notice. Leaves, insects, birds, stones, clouds and puddles can all become part of a game or investigation.
A simple walk can become a colour hunt, a nature treasure hunt or a search for interesting shapes and sounds. These small discoveries can encourage children to ask questions and pay attention to the world around them.
Outdoor play can encourage independence
Outdoor spaces can give children opportunities to make choices about what they want to explore and how they want to play.
Whether they are deciding which route to take on a walk, creating a game in the garden or investigating something they have discovered, children can practise making decisions and solving small problems for themselves.
It doesn't need to be a big outing
Outdoor play can happen almost anywhere. A garden, balcony, local park or short walk around the neighbourhood can all provide opportunities to play.
The important thing is simply creating opportunities for children to get outside, move around and explore. Sometimes a few minutes outdoors is all you need to turn an ordinary part of the day into something a little more interesting.
