Inspiring Outdoor Play Spaces for Children, Educators and Home (2024)

FAQs

What are some ways that parents and educators could promote outdoor playtime? ›

This gives them practice managing their own actions and encourages creativity and imagination. Being outdoors can also teach them responsibility. For example, if they are in charge of watering a plant, they can learn that they must take care of living things to keep them alive. Being outside gets kids moving, too.

Playing outdoors allows children to develop self-confidence, independence and self-esteem. They also become aware of limits, boundaries and challenge in their play. When children are used to playing outdoors, they are more likely to: try new activities.

Perhaps the greatest health benefit is in a child's ability to learn how to engage with others while having fun. “Outdoor play helps children grow socially, helping them to develop healthy ways of forming friendships, responding to physical interaction, and using their imaginations to entertain each other,” says Dr.

Some things you can encourage your child to do when they say they're bored are: Bring outdoor toys. Try unfamiliar playground equipment. Play board games or educational games outside.

Take your time and patiently encourage children to get outside by starting out small. Begin with a walk in the park or a trip to a local playground, then work your way up to bigger outdoor adventures with toddlers and young children as they explore the outdoors.

When children engage in physical activities outside, they can release endorphins and serotonin that can help them to process their emotions. Outdoor play also enables children to develop important social skills, such as cooperation and communication, as well as to foster self-confidence.

A child's ability to grow, learn, and explore requires a healthy, safe environment. In contrast, a child's intellectual, social, and emotional growth can be harmed by a poor home situation. According to research, a poor family environment during a child's early years has been related to developmental delays.

It encourages social and moral development. Outdoor play presents opportunities for exploring and using large equipment. This involves children in taking turns, sharing, cooperating, negotiating and talking to each other – all essential skills when interacting with other people in a positive way.

What are the benefits of outdoor play environment? ›

Outdoor experiences can provide an opportunity to explore, discover and appreciate the natural world, as well as be active, strengthen fine and gross motor movement skills, test physical limits and get messy. Time spent in the outdoors should be an important part of the daily program for all children, including babies.

Children's senses are stimulated by what they see, hear, feel and touch while outdoors and the options when outdoors are endless, from leaves to flowers to birds singing and the wind blowing. Encourage children to use their senses to explore as they splash in puddles, make mud pies, or catch the rain on their tongue.

The regular use of creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving skills in an unstructured outside setting means that children are more likely to have these skills in the classroom and future careers.

Key Element for a Natural Play Space #1: Water

Providing safe access to water is the most impactful way to encourage exploration and connection with nature. Children will play in the water all day long, if given the opportunity, so make sure that adding a water source to your outdoor space is at the top of your list.

Being out in nature can also reduce the negative impacts of stress on our health. Stress and anxiety are linked to diseases of the heart and gut and contribute to neurological decline as we age. Therefore, having an outdoor space improves our mood and helps us ground ourselves and stay connected to those around us.

Get inspired by setting goals

Set a goal to spend a certain amount of time outside each day, whether it's going for a quick walk or just sitting on your patio/porch/stoop. Start with a realistic amount of time that you know you can accomplish- even 10 minutes daily is a great start!