Why Kids Should Play in Nature

Most of us realise that going for a walk in the park or forest with our children is beneficial for both their health and our own. Most kids love to run around, play hide and seek or simply look at the flowers and animals as they walk past. But is there a benefit to more structured outdoor learning and play?

This guide to the link between outdoor play and child development suggests that there is. It shares research that shows that 93% of schools surveyed believe learning outside in nature improves social skills, with 85% of schools reporting an increase in positive behaviour during outdoor lessons. Additionally, it suggests that outdoor play can increase confidence, creativity, responsibility and stimulation, all of which help little ones grow into happy adults.

There are plenty of ways to get children interested in outdoor activities that don’t just involve going for a walk. The guide also shares ideas for art projects, gardening tasks, games and experiments that you can do in your own garden, without leaving home. So, no matter what sort of learner your child is, you’ll find a way to get them to appreciate, enjoy and respect the world around them.

Nature is good for us. It’s good for us mentally and physically. Getting back to nature allows us the chance to relax and reconnect with the wider world around us. And while time spent outside is good for everyone, it’s most important in the development of children. Here’s just some of the benefits to spending time outside for children:

Confidence

Embracing the majestic world around them, with fewer restrictions on what they can or can’t do, gives kids the chance to take control over their own actions. This will empower them with a sense of confidence, and teaches them how to play safely.

Responsibility

Giving a child the job of caring for a living organism like a plant helps to teach them the importance of caring for another being. It’s their job to remember to tend to the plant, as well as to regularly water and even prune it if it really begins to sprout up.

Creativity

The unstructured way that kids play outside allows their minds to run wild. A stick becomes a sword, a toppled tree is a pirate ship, and a stump doubles for a fancy banquet table. Their inventive side is sure to spring to life in a natural environment.

Exercise

While they might not notice it, playing outside is a great form of exercise for a child. They’ll have plenty of room to run around in, as well as climbing, hiking, and generally exploring. What’s more, it can be a lot easier to convince them to play outside than getting them on the treadmill.

Stimulation

Much like adults, kids need to have some form of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy. The ever-changing nature of the great outdoors provides this, helping to keep mind, body, and soul active and content.

Ways for a child to explore nature

There are loads of different ways to let a child explore and engage with nature. If you’re thinking about how best to immerse a child in the world around them, keep these fun and fantastic ideas in mind:

Planting a garden

Planting, nurturing, and one day seeing a plant flourish and bloom is a great way to encourage a child to get outside. Seeing tiny seeds turning into a beautiful flower or healthy vegetable can be really rewarding.

Enrolling in a forest school

Forest schools are growing in popularity all the time. That’s because they’re a great way to give your child the gentle nudge they need to explore more of nature. These groups give structured classes, which teach children real-world lessons and morals, all while digging deep and having immense fun outside.

Going fruit and vegetable picking

This isn’t just a great way to get outside, but will also give a child a new appreciation for where their food comes from. This could encourage them to eat the veggies which they sometimes leave on their plates at the end of dinner.

Going for a walk

If you know of a particularly beautiful walking route, think about heading there for a family day – as long as it isn’t too much stress on the little ones. Cycling is a good alternative for any kids who’d prefer to glide rather than trot through nature.

Art projects

Nature is abundant with makeshift arts and crafts supplies. While making sure you’re not doing any damage to the local environment, think about using some foliage and other natural materials to create something beautiful.

Fun and games

There are a bunch of games you can play when outside which might not be possible indoors. Unlike in a home, or even a garden, there are no barriers to your child’s ‘arena’. Think of some creative activities, making sure they’re all safe to do (for both you and those around you).

This article is an excerpt from a guide about how forest and outdoor learning experiences benefit child development produced by Forest Holidays and is accessible here.