Looking back a few years, how do you see yourself spending your days? I remember coming back from school, having lunch, and asking my mom for permission to go out and play. Often she would tell me to finish my homework and go out in the evening. I sometimes miss those simple days. Perhaps that’s why when I look at young schoolgoers now, something seems missing. With their heads stooped down to look at their phones and eyes glued to the screen, it feels like we failed as a generation to pass on something important. However, that doesn’t mean that we don’t care about screen time and physical play. 

In a world where screens dominate our daily lives, it's easy to see why many parents and educators are concerned about children spending too much time indoors. The allure of video games, television, and the internet often keeps kids glued to the couch rather than exploring the world outside. Though there's a growing awareness of the importance of nature in early childhood education. 

It's not just about fresh air—outdoor play offers a wealth of benefits that contribute to the holistic development of a child. According to a study conducted in Melbourne, children who were regularly exposed to physical play and nature showed signs of better mental health and well-being. Another research published in 2023, emphasizes the importance of outdoor learning in multimodal and hands-on learning opportunities. It explains the potential benefits of outdoor learning and how educators are a significant contributor to the same. 

Let’s take a closer look at why getting outside is one of the best things you can do for your child.

Physical Development Benefits of Outdoor Learning for Preschoolers

Outdoor play is a powerhouse for physical development in children. The varied movements and challenges found in outdoor play contribute to a child’s growth in ways that indoor activities simply can’t match, laying a strong foundation for lifelong physical well-being.

• Advanced Motor Skills

Outdoor play naturally encourages children to run, jump, climb, and explore. These activities are essential for developing advanced motor skills. When kids engage in physical play, they’re not just burning off energy—they’re refining their coordination, balance, and agility, all of which are critical for their physical growth.

• Lower Body Mass Index

It’s no secret that regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight. Outdoor play promotes exercise in a way that doesn’t feel like a chore. Whether it’s chasing a butterfly, playing tag, or riding a bike, these activities keep children active and contribute to a lower body mass index (BMI), helping to reduce the risk of childhood obesity.

• Better General Health

Fresh air, sunshine, and physical activity all contribute to better overall health. Outdoor play strengthens the immune system, increases vitamin D levels from sun exposure, and generally promotes a healthier lifestyle. Kids who spend more time outdoors are often less prone to illnesses compared to their more sedentary peers.

• Improved Muscle Strength

Climbing trees, digging in the dirt, or even pushing a swing—all of these activities build muscle strength. Outdoor play offers children a chance to engage their muscles in diverse ways, promoting physical strength that indoor play just can’t match.

This is not all, these benefits extend further than physical development as they offer better mental well-being. Let’s take a look at the same. 

Mental Health Benefits of Outdoor Learning for Preschoolers

Outdoor learning offers tremendous mental health benefits for preschoolers, providing them with a natural outlet for energy and emotions.

• Reduced Risk of Mental Illness

As mentioned above, there’s ample research to show that spending time in nature can reduce the risk of mental illness. Outdoor play is a natural stress reliever, helping children to unwind, relax, and reset. Nature provides a calming environment, which can reduce anxiety and depression in both children and adults.

• Lowered Stress and Fatigue

Playing outdoors helps children blow off steam. The freedom to run and explore allows them to release built-up tension. The combination of physical activity and natural surroundings works wonders in reducing stress and fatigue, leaving children feeling more refreshed and energized.

• Increased Happiness

It’s hard not to smile when you’re outside on a beautiful day. The joy of discovering new things, feeling the breeze on your face, and basking in the sun can significantly boost a child’s mood. Outdoor play is often associated with increased levels of happiness and overall well-being.

Yes, there’s more. Outdoor learning is also associated with the social development of children. Let’s take a deeper look at it. 

Social Development Benefits of Outdoor Learning for Preschoolers

Outdoor play is a key driver of social development in children, offering them countless opportunities to interact, communicate, and collaborate with others. Whether they’re playing games, building forts, or simply exploring together, these activities teach important social skills like teamwork, negotiation, and empathy. The Funfox Program also emphasizes social skill development through interactive and engaging online lessons, perfect for complementing the social skills learned outdoors.

• Easier Communication With Others

Outdoor play encourages children to interact with others in a more relaxed environment. Whether they’re playing a game of hide-and-seek or working together to build a fort, these interactions help children develop essential communication skills. They learn to express themselves, listen to others, and work as a team.

• Greater Self-Awareness

Nature provides a space where children can explore and understand themselves better. Whether they’re testing their limits on a climbing frame or reflecting while sitting quietly under a tree, outdoor play fosters greater self-awareness. Children learn about their strengths, preferences, and boundaries in ways that are less likely to happen indoors.

• Appreciation for the Environment

When children spend time outside, they naturally develop a connection to the environment. They learn to appreciate the beauty of nature and understand the importance of taking care of it. This early appreciation often leads to a lifelong respect for the environment.

• Improved Peer-to-Peer Relationships

Outdoor play often involves group activities, which helps children build stronger relationships with their peers. They learn to cooperate, negotiate, and resolve conflicts, all of which are crucial for developing healthy social relationships.

Since we’re already at social benefits, let’s take a peek into the emotional benefits of outdoor learning too. 

Emotional Development Benefits of Outdoor Learning for Preschoolers

Outdoor learning plays a crucial role in the emotional development of preschoolers by providing them with a safe space to explore their feelings and build confidence.

• Use of All Five Senses

The outdoors is a sensory playground. Children engage all five senses as they explore the world around them—feeling the texture of leaves, smelling flowers, listening to birds, seeing the vibrant colors of nature, and even tasting fresh fruits picked from a tree. These sensory experiences are essential for emotional development, helping children to process their surroundings more fully.

• Foster Independence

Outdoor play often involves a certain level of risk-taking, which fosters independence. When children are allowed to explore freely, they learn to make decisions, solve problems, and take responsibility for their actions. This sense of independence is a crucial part of emotional development.

• Learn to Self-Reflect

Nature offers the perfect setting for self-reflection. Away from the distractions of the indoors, children can spend time thinking about their experiences, feelings, and thoughts. This reflection is important for emotional growth, helping children to understand themselves and their emotions better.

• Build Resilience

Outdoor play often comes with challenges, whether it’s climbing a steep hill, dealing with a scraped knee, or trying to build a shelter that keeps falling down. These experiences teach children resilience—they learn to pick themselves up and try again, which is a valuable life skill.

Let’s move ahead and look at the intellectual development that can be helped by outdoor learning. 

Intellectual Development Benefits of Outdoor Learning for Preschoolers

The freedom to explore different environments also broadens their learning horizons, sparking an interest in a variety of topics and laying the groundwork for a lifelong love of learning.

• Aid With Brain Development

The natural world is full of stimuli that engage a child’s brain in unique ways. From observing wildlife to navigating uneven terrain, these experiences challenge children’s cognitive abilities, promoting brain development in areas such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.

• Improve Interpersonal Skills

Outdoor play often requires teamwork, whether it’s building a sandcastle or organizing a game of tag. These activities help children improve their interpersonal skills, teaching them how to cooperate, communicate, and resolve conflicts effectively.

• Expand Learning Space

The outdoors is an extension of the classroom, offering endless learning opportunities. From observing the life cycle of a butterfly to understanding the principles of physics while swinging, nature provides a dynamic and ever-changing environment for intellectual growth.

• Spark Interest in New Topics

Nature is full of wonders that can spark a child’s curiosity and interest in new topics. A walk through the woods might inspire a love of botany while watching the clouds could lead to an interest in meteorology. Outdoor play encourages children to ask questions and explore new ideas.

Besides the intellectual, social, and emotional development, outdoor learning is also good for sensory experiences. 

Sensory Experiences in Outdoor Settings

Outdoor settings provide an unparalleled sensory experience for children, allowing them to engage all five senses in a way that indoor environments often cannot. 

• Opportunities for Young Children to Experience the World with All Their Senses

Outdoor settings provide endless opportunities for sensory exploration. Children can touch, smell, hear, see, and even taste the world around them in ways that are impossible indoors. These experiences are crucial for sensory development and help children to better understand their environment.

• Role of Varied Environments in Children's Learning

Different outdoor environments offer varied learning experiences. A trip to the beach teaches children about marine life and the properties of sand and water, while a hike in the forest introduces them to different plant species and the sounds of wildlife. These varied environments enrich a child’s learning experience, making it more comprehensive and engaging.

Alright! We’re about to wrap up. But don’t worry, we’re not going to leave you high and dry. It’s now time to step out and touch some grass. Let’s look at some outdoor learning activities. 

Outdoor Learning Activities for Preschoolers

Outdoor learning activities for preschoolers are a fantastic way to combine fun with education, helping young children to develop essential skills while enjoying the natural world. Here are some engaging outdoor learning activities:

• Nature Scavenger Hunt

Create a list of items for children to find, such as different types of leaves, rocks, or insects. This activity sharpens observation skills and encourages exploration.

• Outdoor Art

Use natural materials like sticks, leaves, and stones to create art. This activity promotes creativity and fine motor skills.

• Bug Observation

Provide magnifying glasses and let children explore the insect world. This can spark interest in biology and teach respect for living creatures.

• Garden Planting

Involve children in planting flowers or vegetables. This teaches responsibility and the basics of biology.

• Storytime Under a Tree

Combine literacy with nature by reading books outside. The outdoor setting makes storytime more immersive and engaging.

• Building with Natural Materials

Encourage children to build structures using sticks, stones, and other natural items. This activity fosters creativity and problem-solving skills.

Meanwhile, it cannot be denied that playing outdoors comes with its own risks and challenges. Here’s how they help in children’s development.

Risk and Challenge in Outdoor Play

• Importance of Trying New Things and Dealing with Falls: Outdoor play naturally involves a certain level of risk, whether it’s climbing a tree, balancing on a log, or riding a bike down a hill. These experiences teach children the importance of trying new things and dealing with setbacks like falls. It’s through these challenges that children build confidence and learn about their abilities and limitations.

• Building Confidence and Understanding Skills and Limitations: When children take risks in a controlled environment, they learn to understand their skills and limitations. This understanding is crucial for building confidence. They learn to assess situations, make decisions, and take responsibility for their actions, all of which contribute to their overall development.

• Coping with Risk and the Importance of Challenges: Coping with risk is an important life skill. Outdoor play offers children a safe space to encounter and overcome challenges. They learn that not everything will go perfectly, but with perseverance, they can achieve their goals. These experiences help children develop resilience and a positive attitude toward challenges.

If you’re an educator who’s planning to execute outdoor learning in your classroom, here are some considerations for children with special needs that need to be taken into account. 

Special Considerations for Children with Special Needs

• Benefits of Movement for Children with Special Needs: Children with special needs can greatly benefit from outdoor play. The movement and sensory stimulation provided by nature can help with physical coordination, sensory integration, and overall well-being. It also provides a less structured environment where they can explore at their own pace.

• Potential Impact of Limiting Active Play: Limiting active play can have negative impacts, particularly for children with special needs. It can lead to increased anxiety, difficulty focusing, and physical health issues. Encouraging outdoor play is essential for their overall development and well-being.

• Addressing the Needs and Preferences of Individual Children: It’s important to tailor outdoor play to meet the needs and preferences of individual children, especially those with special needs. Some children may prefer quiet, sensory-rich environments, while others might thrive in more active settings. Understanding and addressing these preferences ensures that all children benefit from outdoor play.

You might sometimes face challenges separating your little ones from the screens they’re so accustomed to. So, here’s how you can enourage outdoor play in preschoolers. 

How to Encourage Outdoor Play

Encouraging outdoor play is all about making the experience enjoyable and accessible for children. 

• Start Out Small

If your child is hesitant about going outside, start small. A short walk around the block or a quick trip to the park can gradually build their interest in outdoor play. The key is to make it a positive experience that they’ll want to repeat.

• Make It Fun

Outdoor play should be fun, not a chore. Find activities that your child enjoys, whether it’s playing with a ball, exploring a nature trail, or simply running around in the backyard. When play is enjoyable, children are more likely to want to spend time outside.

• Take Them Places

Expose your child to different outdoor environments. Take them to the beach, the forest, or a local farm. Each new place offers unique experiences and learning opportunities that can keep them engaged and interested in the outdoors.

• Provide Options

Give your child options when it comes to outdoor play. Some days they might want to play sports, while other days they might prefer a quieter activity like drawing with sidewalk chalk. Providing choices helps keep outdoor play fresh and exciting.

• Bring Family and Friends

Outdoor play is more fun with others. Invite family and friends to join in. Group activities like picnics, hikes, or games of tag can make outdoor play more social and enjoyable for your child.

• Go Outside Regularly

Make outdoor play a regular part of your child’s routine. The more time they spend outside, the more they’ll appreciate and look forward to it. Consistency is key to making outdoor play a lasting habit.

If you’re a teacher who’s looking for ways to implement outdoor learning into your daily lessons, here are some tips for you. 

Implementing Outdoor Play in Educational Settings

Implementing outdoor play in educational settings involves integrating nature-based activities into the curriculum and creating environments that invite exploration and learning. 

• Integrating Outdoor Activities in the Curriculum

Educators can integrate outdoor activities into the curriculum to enhance learning. Whether it’s a science lesson in the garden or a storytime under a tree, outdoor settings can make lessons more engaging and memorable.

• Role of Teachers in Facilitating Outdoor Learning

Teachers play a crucial role in facilitating outdoor learning. They can guide children’s exploration, introduce new concepts, and create a supportive environment where children feel safe to explore and learn.

• Planning Inclusive and Inviting Outdoor Learning Environments

Creating an outdoor learning environment that is inclusive and inviting is essential. This means considering the needs of all children, including those with special needs, and ensuring that the space is accessible, safe, and stimulating.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it! Wrapping up, it’s clear that outdoor play isn’t just a breath of fresh air—it’s a breath of fresh ideas, growth, and fun for your child. From boosting physical and mental health to sparking creativity and fostering social connections, nature offers endless opportunities for learning and development. 

So, the next time you’re deciding between screen time and sunshine, grab your child’s hand, head outside, and let the great outdoors work its magic. Whether it’s a simple walk around the park or a grand adventure in the woods, every moment spent outside is a step towards a happier, healthier, and more curious child.

Got some more ideas for outdoor learning up your sleeve? Share them with us in the comments below!