The Benefits of Outdoor Play
by The Good Play Guide | View Bio
The Good Play Guide was founded by child development expert Dr Amanda Gummer in 2012. Created to provide an independent, expert accreditation service for children’s products, The Guide provides a trusted resource for parents and gift-givers to find truly Good Toys, Apps and much more.
Amanda has a PhD in Neuropsychology, the Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education and over 20 years’ experience working with children and families. Having worked in children’s industries for many years, Amanda is now widely considered as the UK’s go-to expert on play, toys and child development. She can regularly be seen in the media, including BBC News, Sky News, The Daily Mail and many more, offering advice on news stories and issues surrounding children, families and child development.
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Playing outside isn’t just about having fun – it’s essential for children’s physical health, emotional well-being, and social development.
Whether it’s running through a field, building a fort, or simply watching the clouds, time spent outdoors provides invaluable experiences that help children grow into happy, healthy, and well-rounded individuals.
Creating more opportunities for outdoor play will help ensure children reap these lifelong benefits.
In today’s digital world, encouraging children to step away from screens and play outdoors is more important than ever. Spending time outside offers a wide range of benefits that support children’s physical health, emotional well-being, and social development. From running and climbing to exploring nature, outdoor play provides children with essential opportunities for growth and learning.
WHY OUTDOOR PLAY IS IMPORTANT
Playing outside isn’t just fun – it plays a crucial role in a child’s overall development.
Some of the key benefits include:
Physical health – Increasing movements such as running, jumping, and climbing improve physical strength and fitness.
Improved mood and concentration – Outdoor play boosts mental well-being.
Opportunities for social interaction – Encourages teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Healthy sleep patterns – Exposure to natural light helps regulate sleep cycles.
Better eye health – Less risk of developing myopia (nearsightedness).
A better appetite – Active play supports a healthy metabolism.
A love for nature – Early exposure to nature helps grow an appreciation for the natural environment.
THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS
Researchers believe outdoor play helps reduce the risk of nearsightedness in children. This may be because playing outside gives their eyes a break from close-up activities like reading or looking at screens. Another factor is exposure to bright natural light, which is much stronger outdoors than indoors, even on cloudy days. Sunlight also supports vitamin D production, which is essential for healthy bone growth, muscle function, and a strong immune system.
Physical activity is crucial for children’s development. Running, jumping, climbing, and other movements improve balance, coordination, and motor skills. These activities also help maintain a healthy weight, strengthen muscles and bones, and boost cardiovascular health. Encouraging outdoor play from a young age helps build lifelong healthy habits.
Additionally, activities like riding a bike, playing sports, or even simple games like hopscotch enhance agility and endurance, setting the stage for an active lifestyle into adulthood.
WELL-BEING AND SOCIAL BENEFITS
Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and increase happiness. Sunlight boosts serotonin levels, which can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Outdoor play also provides children with a way to release pent-up energy, which can improve focus and mood.
Playing outside helps children develop independence and resilience. Climbing a tree, for example, requires problem-solving, balance, and confidence. Overcoming small challenges in a natural setting prepares children to tackle bigger challenges as they grow. Learning how to navigate obstacles, assess risks, and make decisions without direct supervision helps children build confidence in their abilities.
Socially, outdoor play encourages communication and teamwork. Whether they are playing a game of tag, building a den, or taking part in a group sport, children learn to share, take turns, and respect one another’s boundaries. These experiences help develop important life skills such as negotiation, leadership, and empathy.
Unstructured playtime also encourages creativity, as children invent games, explore new ideas, and develop their imaginations through role-playing and storytelling.
HOW OUTDOOR PLAY SUPPORTS SLEEP
Quality sleep is vital for children’s development. Recommended sleep durations vary by age:
- Ages 3-5: 10-13 hours per night (including naps)
- Ages 6-12: 9-12 hours per night
- Teenagers: 8-10 hours per night
Lack of sleep can lead to irritability, difficulty concentrating, and struggles with everyday tasks. Daily physical activity, especially outdoors, helps children fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper sleep. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which promote relaxation, and exposure to natural light helps regulate melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep.
Additionally, fresh air and natural surroundings provide a sense of calm that helps children wind down before bedtime. Reducing exposure to artificial light, especially from screens, before bed further improves sleep quality, making outdoor activities an excellent alternative to evening screen time.
ENCOURAGING A HEALTHY APPETITE
Active play also contributes to a healthy appetite. Children who are regularly physically active are more likely to feel hungry and eat well-balanced meals. Outdoor play burns energy and helps regulate metabolism. In contrast, long periods of sedentary activities, like watching television or playing video games, can lead to reduced appetite and unhealthy eating habits.
When children play outdoors, they use more energy and naturally crave nutritious foods to refuel. Parents may notice that children who have spent the day actively playing outside are more willing to try a wider variety of foods and eat more balanced meals.
BUILDING A CONNECTION WITH NATURE
Spending time outside grows curiosity and an appreciation for the natural world. Children who regularly spend time in nature develop a deeper understanding of their environment, from learning about different plants and animals to experiencing the changing seasons firsthand. These early experiences lay the foundation for lifelong environmental awareness and a sense of responsibility toward protecting the planet.
Encouraging outdoor activities such as gardening, hiking, or simply exploring a park can help children develop respect for nature. Hands-on experiences, such as observing insects, collecting leaves, or watching birds, make learning about the environment engaging and memorable.