We live in a world full of technology, and kids spend increasing amounts of time on screens. Watching TV, using the internet to find information or chat with friends, and playing video games are all some of the activities that kids spend up to 7 hours a day using screens for. All of this screen time means that kids spend less time outdoors, playing games, and doing sports.
All of these factors can negatively impact children’s physical and mental development and school performance. In this article, we will explore some of the health benefits of outdoor activities for children and some of the activities you can do with them.
Spend Time in Nature
Natural environments make extraordinary playgrounds for people of all ages. Being in green spaces helps to relieve stress, inspire creativity, and help working memory significantly more than is possible indoors.
Games in the garden or trips to the park allow your kids to run around, interact with other children, and engage their imaginations as they create games and fantastic worlds out of the environment around them.
If you have babies and toddlers, being outside enables them to engage their senses, see different colors and shapes, and touch different textures. Older kids can go for bike rides or build forts. Even taking books outside in the warmer months for story time is a great way to get your kids outdoors.
Movement Equals a Healthier Body and Mind
The problem with a lot of screen time is that kids often spend hours on the sofa or in bed. Yes, they may be playing football, baseball, or wrestling on the screen, but they are barely moving their bodies in the process.
In contrast, when kids play outside, they move more, engage more muscles, and improve their cardiovascular health. More vigorous outdoor activities such as games and sports also have mental h