Benefits of outdoor activities for connecting with nature: Why it matters for children

Our environment has an undeniable impact on how we live, grow, play, and learn, but it has an even bigger impact on our children. Because their brain synapses are still being built, every experience and environment play has a tremendous influence on their young brains. And there is a lot to experience in nature: Starting with a vast variety of different landscapes, plants, animals, and climates to different forms of exercising, socialising, and connecting with the world around them. In nature, they can be physically active, fill up their Vitamin D storages, seize new learning opportunities, and benefit from mental and physical health advantages.

The benefits of outdoor activities for children

• Physical benefits: Physical activities outdoors reduce the likelihood of obesity or weight-related health concerns. They are beneficial for children’s mobility, balance, strength, and endurance, while any time spent in the fresh air can strengthen the immune system and increase energy levels.

• Mental benefits: Exposure to fresh air and greenery is beneficial for the present and future well-being of children. After playing outdoors, they often sleep better at night and are then less stressed, less fatigue, more focused and more likely to be in a better mood the next day.

• Intellectual benefits: Trips to nature extend children’s experiences and stimulate the brain. While using all their five senses to discover their surroundings, they are faced with ever new challenges that will teach them to solve problems independently and reflect on their adventures.

• Social benefits: Maximising outside play time outside automatically minimises indoor screen time. While smartphone overuse is the new ‘sugar’ in a child’s digital diet, this promotes active engagement with their peers and the natural environment.

Encouraging a child to play outside

Take advantage of the benefits of nature by exploring the greenery near your home or neighbourhood together with your child. Go on a bushwalk, book a guided tour, or take story time outside. There are many ways to explore the outdoors together once you have convinced your children to say ‘no’ to Instagram for an afternoon. Here are some ways to encourage your child to play outside:

• Start small: Gradually expose your child to nature so they don’t feel overwhelmed from the beginning.

• Have fun: Make outdoor time interesting by incorporating your child’s interests and hobbies into the new activities.

• Explore places: Make outdoor activities more memorable by leaving the confinement of your backyard.

• Provide options: Bring toys, go to the playground, invent games, and remind your child of the many options to stop boredom.

• Invite friends: Bring friends and family along to the playground, arrange outdoor game nights, or plan a scavenger hunt.

Outdoor play for all ages

Outdoor play is a big part of growth, development and wellbeing for children. Beyond the physical activity it provides, it also helps them to socialise, understand their own mobility, engage in imaginative play, and enjoy the sun, the fresh air, and the outdoors. Here are some activities for different age groups related to their specific health and development benefits to inspire your next outdoor play:

3-6 years

• outdoor storytelling - for creative thinking, listening, communication

• leaf rubbing & bark investigation - for sensory awareness, texture exploration

• bird & insect watching - for calmness, wildlife, life cycle

6-12 years

• cloud watching & star gazing - for astronomy, observation, patience

• building mini shelters & tree houses - for architecture, construction, imagination

• flower pressing & crafting nature collage - for creativity, fine motor skills, crafting

all ages

• nature scavenger hunt - for problem-solving, competition, intelligence

• bushwalking - for discovery, orientation, physical strength

• planting a garden - for preservation, responsibility, environmental impact