When you think of outdoor activities, the first thing that comes to your mind is usually about fun and games. Kids love spending time outdoors either riding their bikes, playing ball games, or simply running around. However, did you also know there are other benefits kids get from such activities? Here are 8 good reasons why outdoor activities are good for children.
1) Develops Strength & Improves Physical Fitness
Outdoor activities are important not only for building strength but also for gaining endurance, which is crucial in their physical development at school. Obese children who spend all their time inside the house watching TV and playing video games will have a lower chance of survival when they grow older because they will be more prone to diseases from lack of exercise from childhood. When a child plays outdoor games like running around and playing catch it becomes easier for them to perform better in physical activities at school and helps them build stamina during sports. The more they stay active outside, the stronger and fitter they will become when it is time for P.E. It is an entirely different story if a child spends his entire day sitting in front of the TV.
2) Promotes Socialization Skills
Unlike video games, kids cannot play outdoor activities without interacting with other players. This not only helps them learn to share but also teaches them social skills like how to cooperate and resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner. Because there are always winners and losers in-game, children will know that they may be either depending on what they do during the game.
Outdoor activities involve kids getting out of their homes and going around other people’s houses which can help them meet new friends who also enjoy playing outside games. At the same time, they might get to see other adults like parents or older siblings joining in on the fun, adding up to more social interactions that help children develop better communication skills.
3) Develops Leadership Skills
As mentioned earlier, outdoor games often require more than one person which means children will have to work together or follow someone’s lead if they want their team to win. There is also an element of competition involved where everyone tries his best to be at the top of the rankings These are important skills children can learn from playing outdoor games.
4) Improved Mental Focus and Alertness
Playing outdoor games also increases a child’s mental strength and capabilities making it easier for his mind to focus on tasks for longer periods of time. It is therefore not surprising that kids who engage in outdoor kids activities in London and other parts of the world get higher grades compared to those who prefer staying indoors all day playing with toys and video games. Outdoor activities have been known to improve a child’s memory too.
5) Gain a Sense of Adventure
No child wants to sit around inside the house all day playing with toys when they can be outside enjoying nature and exploring new places. Outdoor activities give them a sense of adventure especially during hikes in the woods, biking trips across town, or family outings at amusement parks. They get to see new things, discover different places, and experience thrilling activities which make them want to go out more often.
6) Healthier Eating Habits
Yes, most children enjoy eating lots of snacks and sugary drinks. This is especially true when they have to eat healthy foods every day, especially when there is nothing else to choose from. Another option though is to make healthy snacks at home like granola bars, fruits, etc., or buy them from your local store so your kids can eat whenever they want during outdoor activities without feeling hungry all the time. However, if you still want them to enjoy their favorite treats once in a while, try taking them out for picnics where they can choose whatever kind of meal they wish for. This way, children get more opportunities to be physically active which can help them maintain healthy weights.
7) Improved Social-Emotional Development
Outdoor activities help children express themselves better as compared to staying indoors all day playing video games where they only communicate via messages with their peers online. This also makes it easier for children to cope with different social environments, preparing them for adult life when they have to attend company meetings and socialize with different people. Outdoor activities give children the chance to push themselves beyond their limits because it requires them to be more focused and determined if they want to win or see their team doing well. This helps boost their self-esteem, confidence, and self-assurance which can lead to better socialization skills as well.
8) Develops Motor Skills
For young kids, outdoor activities allow them to move around freely where they can kick balls or ride on different types of bikes, depending on the terrain. Children’s motor skills typically develop between 3-7 years old where they learn how to balance themselves better and gain control over muscles that may not have been used before. If a child already has a bike, they can use it to ride around and explore their neighborhood and there is no better way than using biking trips to discover new places.
Playing outdoor games also helps kids condition their bodies for physical activities like running, jumping, and climbing trees. In addition, engaging in such activities regularly will help them develop better motor skills that come in handy when they have to use them during sports or physical education classes in school. Outdoor activities also help kids improve their hand-eye coordination which becomes apparent as they play ball games or hit a target using a slingshot.
This can definitely give them an edge when they have to use it during P.E. In addition, such skills prove useful when they have to use them during other activities like drawing or coloring on paper which is often part of the homework given by teachers in such courses.
The more time kids spend outdoors means the less time they will spend in front of a TV or tablet. This also means that they won’t be exposed to germs as often as other children who spend time playing with other kids. This may not seem important but it can help prevent your child from getting sick by giving his body a chance to build a stronger immune system that is better able to fight off infections and diseases. The best way for your child to stay healthy is by spending time outside every day!
