As the winter months set in, it’s tempting to keep children indoors where it’s warm and cosy. However, embracing outdoor play during winter can offer plenty of benefits for children’s physical, emotional and cognitive development!
Outdoor play should be a year-round activity — and with the right preparation and strategies it can be! Children can enjoy the many advantages that winter outdoor play offers.
Benefits of Outdoor Play in Winter
Let’s explore a few key reasons why outdoor play in winter is beneficial and how you can ensure children stay healthy, active, engaged and safe.
Physical Health and Fitness: Outdoor play keeps children physically active, helping to maintain their fitness levels and combat the sedentary lifestyle that often accompanies colder weather. Activities like running, jumping, and climbing help build muscle strength, coordination, and overall endurance.
Boosted Immunity: Exposure to fresh air and natural light, even on cloudy days, can strengthen children’s immune systems. Regular outdoor play can help reduce the risk of common winter illnesses by promoting better circulation and respiratory health.
Enhanced Mood and Mental Wellbeing: Natural light exposure helps regulate sleep patterns and boosts mood. Outdoor play also reduces stress and anxiety, providing a natural outlet for energy and emotions. The change of scenery and sensory experiences can invigorate children and improve their mental wellbeing.
Cognitive Development: Exploring nature during winter stimulates curiosity and learning. Children can observe seasonal changes, engage in imaginative play, and develop problem-solving skills. These experiences enhance their understanding of the world and support cognitive growth.
Strategies for Safe and Enjoyable Winter Play
Just as fun in the sun needs its own unique preparation like sunscreen, hats and extra hydration, winter weather requires some thought too before you head outside.
Keep these in mind to keep your outdoor time enjoyable and safe.
Dress Appropriately: Layers are the key in winter for staying warm and comfortable. Recommend to families that children come dressed in a warm base layer, then a snuggly middle layer, and top it off with a waterproof outer layer. Beanies and waterproof boots can be excellent to keep children warm and dry too, or a change of shoes and socks might be necessary.
Plan Engaging Activities: Organise activities that are exciting and suitable for winter conditions. Nature scavenger hunts and winter-themed obstacle courses can be enjoyable and educational.
Monitor Weather Conditions: Sometimes wind or frost can make certain activities dangerous and get in the way of having a safe time in the outdoors. Always check the weather forecast before heading outside. Use your judgment to determine when it’s safe to play outside and have a backup plan for indoor activities if needed.
Stay active and in nature this winter!
Outdoor play in winter offers a wealth of benefits, from improved physical health to enhanced mood and cognitive development. So don’t let the cold put you off this winter — and remember, going out rugged up will not cause you to get a cold. In fact, outdoor fresh air can be great for respiratory and immune systems!
Don’t forget, our Bonkers Beat programs can support children’s development at your service through all seasons. Visit our website today to sign up for your free trial and join our community of enthusiastic educators.
