The Power of Outdoor Play

Outdoor play is a vital part of children’s development with wide-ranging benefits.  It improves physical health.  Running, jumping and climbing helps coordination, balance and strength. Any form of exercise from an early age will promote fitness and a healthy heart, and that mindset may remain throughout their lives.

Sunshine provides them with vitamin D – essential for bone health and the immune system.  Being exposed to nature in all its various forms will also contribute to building a healthy resistance to many bugs and illnesses.

Time spent outdoors can lower stress levels, anxiety and depression, and promote an overall sense of wellbeing.  It brightens the mood and boosts serotonin levels which can lead to a feeling of happiness.

It can stimulate imaginative play, particularly when provided with a creative play space like our mud kitchen.  Your child will become more focussed and will want to bring their own little world of make believe to life.   They’ll want to explore their surroundings and will become curious about what they find.

Their social skills will improve.  They’ll learn how to work in harmony with others, communicate effectively and resolve any conflict. 

Being outdoors – in the rain, snow or sunshine, will give your child an unparalleled sense of freedom and a desire to learn more about the natural environment that surrounds them.  They’ll then cherish and look after this precious resource for many years to come.

So, embrace the mud and mayhem, and enjoy those shrieks of delight.  The Great Outdoors is an unbeatable and essential part of growing up.