If there was a supernatural option in time control. Am pretty sure all kids would wish day time to last forever. It’s the playtime and fun activities that come with timing. However, we can always fulfil the wishes by offering exciting outdoor play for toddlers based activities that enhance holistic development.

Playing outside is fun, exciting, and essential for toddlers, allowing them to look around and learn. Playing freely helps kids develop social skills, cooperation, better communication, and sensory awareness. They also learn about decision-making, sharing, and being self-independent.

Toddlers and children in general get the chance to explore different spaces and touch natural objects. There are multiple benefits of outdoor play for toddlers that help them understand their bodies, engage in imaginative play, and have fun outside.

What is outdoor play?

The act of being in an open space outside the house allows for exploration and discovery.  Kids experience nature directly and engage in various free activities that build great memories and skills. It is what they see, smell, feel, and hear that makes a difference. Engaging in numerous outdoor play helps toddlers in multiple development.

Why outdoor play is important?

Outdoor play is a space for learning, developing, and enjoying different natural elements. It’s a free area to exercise significant movements like:  

• Running
•  Jumping
• Kicking

The physical activities help them to maintain their fitness and good physical development.

Different ages for outdoor activities

There are outdoor fun activities suitable for all young ages. Here are the different ages for outdoor activities. They comprise;

Outdoor play for babies

For small babies, outdoor play is very vital for their health, and it includes things like;

• Taking a short walk
• Playing with toys on the floor
• Lying outside on a shade

Outdoor play for toddlers

Toddlers will automatically enjoy outdoor play. Parents/guardians can participate to make the play more fun.

• Running around
• Climbing up and down
• Playing games like hide and seek

Outdoor play for preschoolers

The preschoolers can enjoy outdoor play such as:

• Playing tag
• Playing hopscotch or catch
• Collecting leaves and flowers

Outdoor play for school-age kids

It is essential for kids who are at school to also enjoy the outdoor activities. Schools need to incorporate play time within the day to ensure balance. Children can try activities such as:  

• Going for a nature walk
• Playing soccer
• Riding
• Building structures like houses

Benefits of outdoor play for toddlers

Toddlers can improve their health and fitness through play and leisure activities. When they play outdoors, they acquire some benefits like;

• Better night sleep

One of the best benefits of outdoor play for toddlers is that it helps them to fall asleep faster at night. Toddlers sleep well at night when they have some fresh air and sunshine during the day. As a parent, if your kid has a troubled night's sleep, try to encourage them to spend more time playing outside.

• Enjoy sunshine

Toddlers need sun exposure to make vitamin D, which plays a better role in their body development. The sunshine helps boost their immune system, and their body absorbs calcium, which is vital for strong bones and teeth. This makes them to be free from rickets.

• A fun way to learn

Having outdoors games is a brilliant sensory experience for toddlers. They see a lot of these, explore, and learn new things. The changing nature of the outdoors makes it a tremendously exciting and multi-sensory place to play. This helps kids to gain experience through all their senses.

• Developing motor skills

Toddlers require the opportunity to use their whole body and develop their gross motor skills. As they play outside, tiny toddlers have an excellent chance to crawl as they have enough space to run and jump. They also develop fine motor skills by picking up natural treasures on the ground.

• Better health lifestyle

Playing outside helps toddlers burn off some energy and encourages a healthy lifestyle. Physical activity and challenges help them sleep, eat, and live healthily.

• Care for the environment

Playing outside is a beautiful way for children to get out in nature and become aware of the environment. They learn to respect and care for the environment and also be ready to take action to protect it. They know they are part of nature, and their actions can influence the world around them.

• Make new friends

Toddlers need to make new friends and work together. Having outdoor play makes them meet new kids, make friends, and start socializing with one another.

• Body exercise

Outdoor games like sports or bike riding keep kid’s muscles active. When they spend more time running and climbing, they challenge their bodies and strengthen their muscles.

• Better learning

Playing outside promotes curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking from an early age. When kids spend more time in nature, exploration gains improved learning outcomes.

• Mentally healthier

Parent should encourage their toddlers to have outdoor play to lower their stress and depression. Engaging in outdoor play makes them release any built-up frustrations or energy. It also ensures they are in a happier mood throughout the day.

• Behave positively

When toddlers spend time in outdoor play, they usually have less anger and aggression. Their impulse control also improves, making their body to behave positively.

Tips to encourage toddlers to play outside

Here are some of the tips parents should use for them to encourage toddlers to play outside. They are as follows;

• Invite friends to play with your toddler
• Turn your plot into a playground
• Apply indoor activities outside
• Plan for nature experience
• Use fun equipment to motivate the toddlers
• Have some snacks and water for kids to use during play.

 Conclusion

Outdoor play benefits toddlers physically and mentally. It promotes independence, creativity, and problem-solving in children. It also improves their strength and mental health.