The Magic of Outdoor Play: Embracing Nature and the Benefits for Kids

As parents, we all want our kids to have the happiest, healthiest childhoods possible. And while the digital age offers amazing learning and entertainment opportunities, there’s also tremendous value in unplugging and reconnecting with the natural world through outdoor play.

 

Numerous studies have revealed the wide-ranging benefits of outdoor play for children’s cognitive functioning, physical health, emotional well-being, and creativity. It’s no wonder experts recommend aiming for a daily “green hour” of outdoor time.

 

In an article released by Bright Horizon, “Playing in nature is a joyous way for children to embrace the wonders of the natural world. “ It provides critical opportunities for unstructured learning, exercise, creativity, and calm.

 

Fostering that connection with the great outdoors from an early age can pay dividends throughout life.

 

Here are some ideas for making outdoor play an enriching part of your family’s routine:

• Take a Hike
  Whether it’s a short neighborhood loop or a trek through a national park, hiking offers fresh air, exercise, and endless opportunities to discover bugs, plants, rocks, and more. Pack a sketchbook and let your child document their observations.
  
• Build a Fort
  One of the quintessential outdoor childhood experiences. Use sticks, logs, cardboard boxes, old sheets – whatever materials you can scavenge – to construct a cozy hideaway that sparks creativity and imagination.
  
• Go on a Scavenger Hunt
  Create a list of natural items for your child to find, like pinecones, acorn caps, bird feathers, heart-shaped rocks, etc. Or challenge them to identify different cloud shapes, animal tracks, or leaf types.
  
• Camp in the Backyard
  Pitch a tent and sleep under the stars. Tell stories around the fire pit, stargaze, and wake up to the chirping birds. These nights foster wonderful memories and an appreciation for nature’s cycles.
• Make  a Fairy  Garden
  Explore the charm of crafting a fairy garden outdoors, where little girls can connect with nature and unleash their creativity. Our DIY Rae Fairy Terrarium Kit also offers the delightful option to bring the magic indoors, allowing them to create enchanting spaces right inside their home. This experience provides a fun and imaginative way to engage with the natural world, both outside and in.
• Explore a Creek or Lake
  Playing in the water, skipping rocks, searching for frogs or fish offers sensory delights galore. Make sure to check local advisories first.

 

The possibilities are endless when you shift the mindset from “going outside to play” to “exploring the amazing outdoors.” By encouraging your child’s fascination with the natural world, you’re nurturing their development and creating treasured family memories. So pack up the snacks, sunscreen, and spirit of adventure, and head out to experience the magic firsthand!