How to Get More Outdoor Play in Your Child’s Life
With the lure of Minecraft and screens in general, getting children to spend more time outdoors can be a challenge.
Yet, the benefits of nature play for your child's wellbeing are immense.
Outdoor activities not only promote physical health but also enhance emotional and social development.
At Wildlings Forest School, we are passionate about helping families incorporate more nature play into their daily lives.
Here’s how you can encourage your child to embrace the great outdoors and reap the benefits of nature.
Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children
Physical Health
Regular outdoor play helps children build strong muscles and bones, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of obesity. Activities like running, climbing, and jumping are excellent for overall physical fitness.
Emotional Wellbeing
Nature has a calming effect on children, reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Connecting with nature can improve mood and promote relaxation (Collado et al., 2016a; Hatala, 2019, 2020).
Social Skills
Outdoor play encourages teamwork, cooperation, and communication. Children learn to share, negotiate, and resolve conflicts while playing with peers in a natural setting (Bowers et al., 2021).
Cognitive Development
Nature play stimulates curiosity and creativity. Children who spend time outdoors develop better problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities (Cui & Yang, 2022).
Connection to Nature
Developing a bond with nature fosters a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the environment. It helps children appreciate the beauty of the natural world and understand the importance of conservation.
Practical Tips to Encourage Outdoor Play
1. Create a Nature-Friendly Backyard:
Transform your backyard into an inviting space for play. Include elements like a sandbox, water table, or a small garden. Encourage your child to explore and interact with these natural elements.
2. Schedule Outdoor Time:
Set aside specific times each day for outdoor play. Consistency helps children develop a routine and look forward to their time outside.
3. Go on Nature Walks:
Explore local parks, trails, and nature reserves. Nature walks are a great way to discover new environments and observe wildlife. Make it a fun adventure by collecting leaves, rocks, or flowers.
4. Plan Outdoor Activities:
Organise activities like picnics, scavenger hunts, or camping trips. These outings provide opportunities for family bonding and create lasting memories.
5. Limit Screen Time:
Reducing screen time frees up more time for outdoor activities. Encourage your child to engage in physical play rather than sedentary activities like watching TV or playing video games.
6. Join a Forest School Program:
Enrol your child in a forest school program where they can participate in structured outdoor activities under the guidance of experienced playworkers. At Wildlings Forest School, our programs are designed to nurture a love for nature and develop essential life skills.
Why Join A Forest School Program?
At Wildlings Forest School, we believe in the transformative power of nature play. Our programs offer a safe and supportive environment where children can explore, learn, and grow. Here’s what you can expect:
- Engaging Activities: From fire striking and campfire cooking to nature crafts and wildlife observation, our activities are designed to be fun and educational.
- Experienced Playworkers: Our team of skilled playworkers is passionate about facilitating risky nature play experiences while ensuring safety and well-being.
- Community and Connection: Joining our forest school programs allows your child to connect with other children who share a love for the outdoors. It fosters a sense of community and belonging.
- Flexible Programs: We offer a variety of programs to suit different ages and schedules. Whether you’re looking for weekly sessions or holiday camps, we have something for everyone.
Ready to bring more outdoor play into your child's life? Discover the joy of nature play with Wildlings Forest School.
Join our programs in Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast and watch your child thrive in the great outdoors.
Written by Ellen Nesbitt. Ellen is a nature play advocate and creative writer with a passion for helping families connect with the outdoors. She is dedicated to exploring ways to nurture children's creativity, independence, wellbeing and love for nature.