Why outdoor play is so important for kids

Over the past 20 years, the world has become a digital playground and a whole generation is growing up with not just video games but smartphones, tablets and so many other devices. Did you know that kids spend an average of 7 hours in front of devices? As much as we love seeing our little ones growing into digital experts, excessive screen time can have negative impacts on mind and body. And in some cases it may have a contributory role in difficulties associated with learning and lead to a more sedentary lifestyle which has implications for weight and other related health issues. Actively encouraging our little ones to put their iPad aside and get outside to kick the ball or get wild on the playground boasts a wealth of physical and mental benefits.

Physical benefits of outdoor play

Being outside allows kids to move around more and actively jump, run and throw, balance, skip, hop and so much more. This hands-on play is key in developing strong motor skills at a young age and acts as a perfect outlet for children to release pent-up energy whilst strengthening senses through what they hear, touch, see and feel in the outdoors.

Regular outdoor play in combination with other healthy habits such as healthy eating assists in children maintaining good fitness and a healthy weight.

Another great advantage of outdoor play is its positive affect on concentration. Being outside helps kids concentrate and enhances the formation of synapses in the brain important in their overall development.

Mental benefits of outdoor play

Unstructured outdoor play a multitude of benefits for the development of essential skills in children such as creativity, developing spatial recognition and understanding the outdoor environment. As children play with siblings or peers, they develop coordination, learn about teamwork, and gain interpersonal abilities when they create games to play with one another. Moreover, fresh air and playing freely in the outdoors can decrease stress levels in children.

Outdoor play can also boost self-confidence. The unstructured way of playing in natural environments like gardens, parks or even hiking trails, allows for endless opportunities for children to understand their surroundings better and broaden their imagination. Allowing them to choose how they wish to interact with the environment, gives them the ability to control their own decisions and discover their own talents.

Outside time has also been found to aid in the development of a child’s sense of independence. Even when supervised by an adult, the sense of independence a child gets in an outdoor environment by far exceeds the sense of independence indoors. Children have the freedom to experiment and take chances without feeling the restrictive sense of an adult watching over them.

Seating and outdoor furniture

Whether they are 4 or 13, every child has their own idea of outdoor play. Not every child wants to run laps or create their own games. Outdoor play areas should cater for a range of activities from outdoor spaces with slides and swings, to spaces which allow for imaginations to run free or quiet friendships to grow.

The right seating can be key in creating a comfortable and practical outdoor play environment. Either to just have a rest after hours in the great outdoors or to enjoy break time with peers,  outdoor tables and chairs are the unsung heroes of outdoor play furniture.

In addition, providing adequate shelters  within outdoor play spaces adds to everyone’s comfort by providing protection from rain as well as the searing sun. Bins and storage are easily overlooked but a dirty playground is not an appealing environment for children and adults alike. Therefore it’s useful for outdoor play areas to have an adequate amount of bins. Providing additional elements such as benches or bike racks can attract a wider number outdoor participants and also provides more structure to any play area.

Whether your outdoor space is a park, school, youth centre, holiday venue or backyard, an investment into attractive and functional kids outdoor furniture is one worth making. If you would like more information or advice on designing the perfect outdoor space for children, get in touch today!