Outdoor play has several benefits for kids. It helps them discover the world around them, and it also promotes physical development. Besides physical stimulation, outdoor play helps lower the risk of short-sightedness and improves vitamin D levels. Children who spend more time outside stay in bed longer than those who spend less time outdoors. And if you’re worried that your children will become a messy mess, think again! Outdoor play offers endless learning opportunities for young children.
There are many ways to incorporate outdoor play into your child’s day. For younger children, simple outdoor tasks like weeding the lawn, sweeping the driveway, watering vegetables, or hanging laundry on a line can serve as an opportunity for play. Another inexpensive option for families who don’t have a yard is to visit a local park. There, they’ll have more space to run and play, and they may even meet other kids!
The American Heritage Dictionary, fifth edition, by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company, lists the definition of the word “outdoor.” Essentially, outdoor describes things that happen in the open air. As long as these activities aren’t harmful to other people or the environment, they’re an excellent choice for a relaxing day out. If you’re looking for some outdoor activities to do this spring, consider exploring the possibilities.
One option for parents who don’t want to pay a full-time preschool can be a weekly nature program. These programs are inspired by nature-based training programs, like Cedarsong Nature School and TimberNook. Weekly nature programs offer a unique experience for children and their caregivers while being more affordable and time-consuming. The benefits of weekly nature programs are outlined below. If you’re looking for an outdoor preschool, here are a few places in your area where you can learn about the benefits of weekly nature programs.
Another great option for physical activity is to go hiking, biking, or taking a long walk. Walking outside is an excellent way to reset your mental state. It’s also a great way to change scenery. Try hiking, biking, or walking around your local park. Even if you don’t have an outdoor space, you can recreate the feeling with outdoor technology. You can also visit a drive-in movie theater, which opened again in the U.S. after the COVID-19 pandemic.
If you don’t want to spend your money on camping trips, you can also do backyard camping. If you have a large backyard, you can make your own tent and picnic. You can also enjoy a fire pit and cook up some delicious meals. One SELF reader, Rachel Wieser Haggerton, describes her family’s outdoor fire pit as their “oasis” where they feel like they’re on vacation. You don’t have to spend a fortune to host a backyard camping party.
