importance of outside play time

Yesterday’s blog post shared from a Boston Globe article how some doctors are writing prescriptions for kids that say: Go Outside and Play! Some ways that kids can do just that are: going for a walk around the block, blowing and chasing bubbles, collecting nature items, playing hopscotch, and making an obstacle course in the yard. Playgrounds and parks are also great ways for kids to be active and spend time outside. Here are some more ideas that readers shared for fun physical activities.

• Take a hike. Younger toddlers may not be able to go as far as older preschoolers but a hike can be a choice for the whole family. there’s the added advantage of all the nature fun and learning too.

• Build a sand castle. This can also involve the whole family, or several families if there’s lots of sand. If there’s enough space, kids also like to throw rocks into the water, watch the ripples, and hear the kerplunks.

• Go fly a kite. There are some simple kites that kids can make themselves with just a bit of adult help. Grownups fly really big ones!

• Splash in the kiddie pool, run thru the sprinkler, or attach a pool noodle with holes to a garden hose. This is especially wonderful on a hot day.

• Rollin’, rollin’, rollin’ down a  big hill. Did Jack and Jill really have to go up the hill for water or was that just an excuse so they could tumble after?

• When the sun goes down, kids can have a race with their shadows. Who wins or is it a tie?

These are a few more ways that kids can play outside. Outside play can involve more supervision but there are tremendous health and social benefits for all of us, especially kids. Are there some other outside play activities that you would like to suggest?

Some smart pediatricians are writing prescriptions for kids with the orders: Go Outside and Play! Especially in summer weather this is so important for kids. In a recent Boston Globe article, Karen Weintraub, writes about the program Outdoors Rx. Kids today are simply not getting enough outside time, so doctors all over the country are prescribing more.

The program is catching on and some kids are getting the message. Dr. Christina Scirica, a Harvard instructor, outlines some of the benefits of outside time, “The vitamin D your body makes from being exposed to sunlight builds strong bones, wards off infection, and helps kids with asthma breathe better. Having fun is also a great stress reliever and mood booster.” Adults are not the only ones to be affected by stress, kids are also impacted and anxiety is a major concern for preschool age children.

Some ways to spend outside time for young kids are:

• a walk, run, wagon or bike ride around the block
• blowing bubbles and chasing them around the yard
• collecting leaves, twigs, berries, pine cones and other natural items to make a fairy soup
• making a simple obstacle course in a safe, open area: a turned over chair can be a tunnel to crawl under; a pool noodle balanced between 2 sand pails can make a ‘log’ to jump over, draw a wiggly path with chalk, etc.
• play hopscotch on the sidewalk
• going to a neighborhood playground for swinging and sliding
• kicking a big ball in the park

These are a few ideas to get started enjoying some outside time. Once kids start spending time playing outside, even a few minutes each day, they often want to spend longer and longer. There are some added benefits for parents and caregivers too. What outside fun and games does your child like to play?