Kids having a great time outdoors… Outdoor play helps your child learn new things about the world around them. ?VIDEO

Outdoor play gives your child the opportunity to explore the natural environment and find adventure. Your child can play games, test their physical abilities, express themselves and build their confidence. Outdoor play can also mean more clutter, and more clutter often means more fun! When your child is outside, they probably have more space and freedom for big movements like running, jumping, kicking and throwing. Such physical activity is good for your child’s health, fitness and physical development.

Spending time outdoors can reduce your child’s chance of developing nearsightedness. And a little safe play in the sun can be helpful too – a little sunshine can help boost vitamin D levels. Encourage your child to play outside several times a day. Outdoor play doesn’t have to be anything special, especially if you have an outdoor playground at home. Especially with older kids: sometimes all you have to do is send them out the door and let them come up with their own games.

However, when younger children play outside, they need your help to stay safe from outside dangers. Many younger children like to “help”. This means that outdoor play may include working with the child on daily tasks such as weeding, sweeping the driveway, watering vegetables, or hanging clothes on a rope.