
With the chill of winter settling in, it is time to discuss the importance of outdoor play!
Some adults associate cold winter weather with getting colds and illnesses. However, it is not exposure to the cold that cause these viruses. In fact, it’s likely to be increased exposure to poorly ventilated indoor environments, where bacteria and viruses live. By encouraging outdoor play in winter, children gain much needed exposure to fresh air and Vitamin D, while avoiding bacteria!
Here are five benefits of outdoor winter play:
1. Breathe Fresh Air
Going outside during winter is a relieving escape from a stuffy home where bacteria could be hiding. It’s easier to spread sickness playing in one room, so go out and take a deep breath, exhale the cold winter air, and reap the rewards. Nothing is more refreshing than that first deep breath of cold, winter air before starting hours of fun outdoor play!
2. Strengthen Immune System
As stated above, playing outside allows your child an escape from indoor germs and bacteria. This will not only be good for the healthy bunch; the sick kids benefit from the fresh air as well. Just make sure they are properly bundled up and moving around to generate warmth. Being outside more often also allows your child to develop a stronger autoimmune system and a resistance to allergies. Studies have shown that children in rural areas or those who are active outside have the best overall health.
3. Engage in Physical Exercise
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean your children have lost their energy or desire to play. In fact, outdoor winter play gives children an opportunity for a change of environment, a balance in play and routine, and develop their gross-motor skills.
4. Stimulate the Imagination
The winter also offers a variety of ways to stimulate your imagination through play. Does your child like to build things? Build a snow fort at the playground with tunnels and a home base. Venture to your local walking trails to look for birds or other woodland creatures. Create a winter wonderland scavenger hunt – hot cocoa at the park afterwards! Something as simple as building a silly snowman utilizes problem solving and imaginative skills!
5. Have Fun!
The list of fun things to do in the winter goes on and on. Snow painting, sledding, dodgeball with snowballs, tic-tac-toe in the snow, ice-skating, snow angels, and a snow fort building contest are all unique to winter weather and provide oodles of fun for everyone!