Science-backed reasons why kids need outdoor play

Why Nature Play Matters for Kids

In today's digitally driven world, getting our kids outdoors and connected to nature is more important THAN EVER! As a pediatrician in the emergency department I can tell you that the mental health crisis facing today’s kids is REAL. Did you know that the majority of teens today are spending 7-9 hours a day on screens??

Time in nature is a huge priority in our household and I aim for a minimum of 3 hours outside for the kids every day… even in the winter! This is not always easy. There are days when the weather is not ideal for outdoor play, but we bundle up and get out there anyway!

Why would I do this??

First of all, as you’ll read below, the benefits of nature for children extend far beyond fresh air and exercise.

Secondly, the more you do it, the easier it gets.

When I bring my kids out to a new trail, river or lake, they engage in play almost immediately and without any prompting. I’m not sure if this is because they are naturally interested in what nature has to offer them, or if it’s because we get out there so much that it’s become second nature… but either way, it’s kinda magic!

In this blog post, I’ll give you 8 science-backed benefits of nature for kids that highlight why it's crucial to encourage outdoor exploration.

1. Improved Physical, Mental and Emotional Health:

Let’s start with the basics. Not surprisingly, kids who spend time outdoors tend to be more physically active. Whether they are running on a trail, climbing trees, or throwing rocks in a river like my kids do… they are burning energy! They’re also building both fine motor (think handwriting or tying knots) and gross motor skills (agility, coordination). Being out in the sticks can also reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of attention disorders, promoting better mental health in kids. The calming effects of natural environments remove distractions from our tech driven world, and allow kids to stop and notice the details around them. This leads to reduced feelings of anger, aggression and irritability. Are you kids having a rough day? Get them outside, I promise it will help!

2. Social Skills:

It’s my opinion that outdoor play leads to fewer conflicts between kids, because there is usually an abundance of leaves, sticks, puddles and pinecones. When there’s enough for everyone, no one has to share! Nature-based play also encourages cooperation, teamwork, and communication among children. Whether building a sandcastle at the beach or navigating a forest trail, kids learn valuable social skills in natural settings. I have witnessed this at my son’s forest school where he has a super tight bond with his other 3 pod members. Play dates with them are simple and stress free because everyone gets along!

3. Resilience Building:

Exposure to natural elements (which can sometimes be unpredictable) helps kids learn how to adapt to changing circumstances and cope with challenges. Exposure to natural challenges and areas to play can also build self confidence and independence over time. You should have seen the look on my son’s face the first time he climbed a tree all by himself! Now he tries to climb every tree he sees. Exposing children to various types of weather (in a prepared and safe manner) also teaches them that the outdoors can be fun no matter if it’s snowing, raining, chilly or sunny. Great gear doesn’t have to be expensive either! Check Facebook for buy-nothing groups and put your neighbors’ hand me downs to good use! We do it all the time.

4. Creativity and Cognitive Development:

Outdoor play opens the door to imaginative and creative thinking. Whether building forts, exploring new landscapes, or inventing games, nature helps kids develop problem-solving skills and fosters creativity that allows them to think outside the box.

Nature exploration stimulates curiosity and cognitive growth also. It exposes them to new topics based on what they see, and they start asking questions like “what makes a rainbow?” or “where did these shells come from?” A variety of sights, sounds, and textures also leads to improved learning outcomes. Educational research has shown that engaging multiple senses at the same time can lead to more effective learning. In nature, our kids can see, touch, hear, and even sometimes taste different elements, creating a learning experience that enhances their understanding.

5. Less Screen Time:

Oh boy is this one near and dear to my heart! Time spent in nature can replace excessive screen time, reducing the negative effects of digital devices on children's physical and mental health. Kids anymore have SO much exposure to screens that it makes time outside even more important. As parents in today’s world we have a HUGE responsibility to make our physical reality a more desirable place for kids to spend their time. It’s harder than ever because technology has become important for everything we do! From education, to work, to entertainment our kids are constantly being distracted into thinking the screen is where their focus has to be. But we can change that, and the great outdoors can help!!!!

6. Environmental Awareness:

Experiencing nature firsthand fosters an early appreciation for the environment, and a desire to protect it. Time outdoors promotes a sense of responsibility which has been so special to watch with my own kids. The more time they spend outside exploring, the more they love it out there and feel like it’s something they have a role in taking care of.

7. More Vitamin D:

Did you know the majority of Americans are actually deficient in vitamin D? It’s really hard to get enough of this vitamin through food. The best way? Get it from the sun! Sunlight exposure during outdoor activities helps children's bodies produce vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones, a healthy immune system, growth, development and cognitive function.

8. Better Sleep:

If your little one is constantly on a nap strike, this one’s for you. Time outside can help regulate sleep patterns, leading to better-quality sleep and an easier bedtime. Exposure to sunlight is what helps our brains differentiate between day and night. Babies that are exposed to sunlight during the day have been shown to sleep better, and the pattern holds true throughout our entire lives!

What are some of your favorite ways to get outside with your kids? If you’re looking for ways to get started, subscribe below to receive all the pro-tips, inspiration and more!