Kids should play outside! Here are 5 reasons why.
When kids are given unstructured time to play alone or with other children, especially outdoors, they make up their own games, figure things out, and amuse themselves, which allows them to practice important life skills.
1. Executive Function
These skills help kids plan, prioritize, troubleshoot, negotiate, multitask, use their imagination, and be creative.
2. Risk Taking
Taking risks builds confidence and shows kids what they’re capable of doing. Lessons learned from failure are just as important as those learned from success!
3. Attention Span
Kids who play outdoors regularly are more curious, self-directed, and likely to stay with a task.
4. Sensory Skills
Young kids, in particular, learn through what they experience through their senses, like seeing new animals, smelling flowers, jumping in puddles, and eating apples from a tree.
5. Social Skills
When kids play outdoors, they’re more likely to be inventive, explore, and learn about the world around them, inventing play with siblings and friends, and at the same time developing skills in cooperation, communication, and organization.
Adapted from Harvard Health and Sanford Health