3 Reasons Why Kids Should Play Outside for More Than 3 Hours
School’s out, and the kids are free at last!
I’m not sure about you, but in the first few days of the holidays, the kids who joined us in the forest were full of energy! It was as though they’d forgotten what it felt like to be able to run, jump, spin, flip, roll, climb, hang, race, or shimmy for a whole day outside.
It’s no surprise.
In today's world, children find themselves confined to lengthy school hours with limited recess, engaged in indoor activities like video games, and often restricted by grown-ups from indulging in the messy joys of outdoor play. This results in a scarcity of opportunities for kids to experience the thrill of being fully in their bodies for extended periods of time.
“Active free play outdoors is the most beneficial gift we can give our children,” says pediatric occupational therapist Angela Hanscom.
Her research has shown that children require at least 3 hours of free play outdoors every day and that this has a huge impact on children’s growth and development, highlighting how it improves everything from creativity to academic success to emotional stability.
“Kids who don’t get to do this can have so many issues, from problems with emotional regulation—for example, they cry at the drop of a hat—to trouble holding a pencil, to touching other kids using too much force.”
Seeing kids back in the wild this week has been amazing. The joy of getting muddy, making new friends, using real hand tools, playing games, building cubbies and splashing in the creek - childhood is simple and wonderful. There are so many reasons why kids need time and space to run wild, but here’s 3 reasons why kids should play outside for more than 3 hours.
1. Nurturing Physical Vitality: Beyond the Boundaries of Indoor Play
Embracing Unrestricted Movement:
Extended outdoor play provides children with the freedom to move without the confines of indoor spaces. Whether it's climbing trees, running through open fields, or biking along winding trails, the unrestricted movement not only enhances physical health but also cultivates a love for an active lifestyle.
Building Resilient Immune Systems:
Immersing children in nature exposes them to diverse environments and elements, fortifying their immune systems. The open air, exposure to natural sunlight, and interaction with different surfaces contribute to the development of robust defenses against common illnesses. Extended outdoor play becomes a natural prescription for building resilience from a young age.
2. Fostering Creative Exploration: Nature as the Ultimate Playground
Unleashing Imagination:
Extended playtime in nature serves as a canvas for boundless creativity. Unencumbered by the limitations of indoor spaces, children engage in imaginative play that involves building forts, creating fairy houses, or embarking on treasure hunts. The outdoor realm becomes a blank slate for them to paint their stories and adventures.
Connecting with the Elements:
Nature offers a sensory-rich environment that stimulates creativity. Whether feeling the cool breeze, hearing the rustle of leaves, or observing the vibrant colors of flowers, these experiences heighten sensory awareness. Extended outdoor play nurtures a deep connection with the elements, fostering a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.
3. Cultivating Emotional Well-being: Nature as a Therapeutic Haven
Stress Reduction and Relaxation:
The great outdoors serves as a therapeutic haven, providing a tranquil escape from the demands of daily life. Extended outdoor play allows children to unwind, reducing stress levels and promoting relaxation. The calming effect of nature creates a conducive environment for emotional well-being and resilience in the face of life's challenges.
Building Positive Relationships:
Extended playtime in nature often involves group activities, fostering positive social interactions. Whether playing team sports, exploring together, or engaging in collaborative projects, children develop crucial social skills such as communication, cooperation, and conflict resolution. These experiences contribute to the formation of meaningful friendships and a strong sense of community.
how much is “enough” Outdoor Play?
Nature is our home, it grows the food that feeds our bodies, creates the air we breathe and is the playground where our lives unfold.
“Enough” outdoor play is going to look different for every child, but we suspect that for most children growing up today in semi-urban environments, very few have ever reached that point where they’ve had “enough” active free play outside.
They might get moments of it on a camping trip or over the school holidays, but that doesn’t change the fact that our lifestyles have become highly sedentary and confined.
There are many individuals, organisations and movements who are working towards changing this for everyone’s benefit, but in the meantime, it’s so important that we make the most of the opportunities we do have to give kids time and space to roam free.
Our School Holiday Adventure Play Programs are specifically designed to allow children autonomy, time and resources to play, create, discover, and be fully present in the stunning, wild outdoor spaces of South-East Queensland.
And guess what, our programs are 3 hours long! Fancy that. Join us for a half-day or full-day in the forest and see the benefits for yourself.
We guarantee to return your child muddier, wilder and more inspired to get outside than ever!
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.