In today’s digital age, it’s easy for children to spend too much time indoors, but outdoor play offers important benefits for their physical, emotional, and cognitive development.
Physical Health – Outdoor activities like running, climbing, and biking help children build strength, improve coordination, and stay healthy. Time outside also improves sleep and boosts the immune system, lowering the risk of illness.
Emotional Benefits – Spending time in nature reduces stress, lessens anger and aggression, and can improve mood and focus. It can also help reduce anxiety or ADHD symptoms, offering emotional relief for children facing challenges.
Cognitive Development – Nature encourages children to solve problems and think creatively. Activities like building forts or exploring trails enhance critical thinking and concentration, which can benefit academic performance.
Getting your children outside is one of the best ways to support their development. By encouraging outdoor activities, we are providing them with the tools they need for a healthier, happier, and more balanced life.As we talk about the benefits of spending time outside, here’s a perfect activity to take on a walk!
RainbowScavenger Hunt:
This activity is simple, yet extremely engaging and fun!
What you’ll Need:
Pen and paper or a printed scavenger hunt checklist (see example below)
A bag to collect items
Instructions:
Hand each person the the scavenger hunt checklist
Go on your family walk (or you can take the scavenger hunt to the park!) and during your time, find objects in nature that matches each color of the rainbow
As you find each color, check them off your list! Each color of the rainbow can have more than 1 object associated with it.
As we talk about the benefits of spending time outside, here’s a perfect activity to take on a walk!
