Outdoor Play is Important to Childhood Development

Children need to remain active throughout the day; promoting outdoor play allows them to get fresh air and explore their environment more. Hands-on learning, the natural environment and loose parts in the outdoors stimulate children’s senses through what they hear, touch, see and feel.Outdoor play is an important part of childhood. It’s exciting to see children in their natural environment – exploring their surroundings, being curious about what’s around them and finding joy in seeing new things. As a child, I always remember running around the park, digging and dumping sand in the sandbox, and climbing up and going down the slide.

The Benefits of Outdoor Play

• Outdoor play improves physical development

• More friends! (aka improved social development)

• Increased Imagination

• Gain knowledge and appreciation for the natural world