Why Outdoor Play is So Important for Toddlers

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For many toddlers, a day of playtime means being enclosed in an air-conditioned room with other kids their age, playing with toys, and engaging in social activities with the aid of an adult facilitator. While it’s important for young children to participate in structured activities, studies have shown that these structured programs can be detrimental to the development of toddlers, who need lots of opportunities to spend time outdoors as they engage in spontaneous, creative play. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons why outdoor play is so important for your toddler.

Benefits of Outdoor Play

Aerobic exercise, such as running and climbing and playing tag, and strengthening activities such as tree-climbing and balancing on blades of grass or rocks can develop and help to maintain physical fitness.

A study found that children with access to outdoor play spaces are not only more physically active, but also have higher levels of creativity, supportive social connections with other children, self-esteem, and fewer behavior problems. 

Which Child Can Benefit More From Outdoor Play

Some children might have experienced abuse, neglect, homelessness, or house arrest, for example, or have suffered from an accident or illness. Other children might have milder but still disabling conditions, such as anxiety disorder, ADHD, and supportive social connections with other children.

Good outdoor play can help these children to develop motor skills and outdoor play strengthens their immune system. Outdoor play where children can explore and socialize will give them the chance to build important social skills.

Tips to Help Children Cope with Weather

There are many ways to ease your toddler into being outside, but there are also many ways you can make it fun for them. Here are a few of our favorite ideas.

• Place some toys and activities on the ground in the backyard or in the park to help keep their hands busy.

• Put on rain gear and go outside anyway! They will love getting all wet with you!

• Let them wear their pajamas or cozy clothes so they feel like they’re still inside even though they’re out of doors.

• Bring along their favorite blanket or stuffed animal, which helps kids feel safe when going to new places.

• Bundle up!

Ways Families Can Get Outdoors

There are lots of ways families can get outdoors, from going on a family bike ride to taking a walk in your neighborhood or at a nearby park.

No matter what type of outdoor activity you choose, be sure to go outside at least once every day. Outside play can have all sorts of benefits for your toddler’s physical health and emotional well-being, too.

Your little one will learn important social skills like how to share, how to resolve conflicts, and how to work together with others. Spending time outdoors also boosts creativity!

The Risks of Not Having Enough Outdoor Time

Most children spend much of their childhood indoors, either at school or in front of a screen. While indoor activities are useful and educational, they can come with some significant risks to your child’s health and development. The truth is that there are many benefits to toddler outdoor play that can’t be found inside. Let’s take a look at some of them:

First, too much time spent indoors can have an adverse effect on a child’s social skills. Lack of exposure to other people leads to fewer interactions outside the home and consequently less opportunity for developing healthy relationships.

Secondly, too much time spent indoors is associated with poorer mental health and increased feelings of anxiety or depression. Children who spend more time outdoors tend to show lower levels of these symptoms than those who stay cooped up all day.

Lastly, it has been shown that being active outdoors can improve attention span and mood. Not only does it allow children to get exercise but also encourages creativity as they explore new things!