Outdoor Play and Its Benefits for Young Children

As a parent, you may have heard about the importance of outdoor play for your child’s development. Furthermore, sensory and motor development is essential for cognitive and academic development, but this process is compromised when children lack exposure to the right stimuli. 

As digital screens and other technology surround toddlers and preschoolers, this limits their experiences in providing them with the necessary stimulation for their brains and bodies. Hence, getting them outside to play and move is essential and beneficial to nourishing them correctly. 

Physical Health

Outdoor play allows children to engage in physical activities such as running, jumping, climbing, and playing with balls. These activities help develop motor skills, muscle strength, and physical health.

Cognitive Development

The outdoor play environment provides endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Children can observe nature, learn about different plants and animals, and engage in imaginative play. This stimulates their curiosity and enhances their cognitive development.

Social Skills

Children who play outdoors often interact with their peers in ways different from indoor settings, such as learning to take turns, share, communicate, and collaborate, thus developing critical social skills crucial for future interactions.

Emotional Well-being

Spending time in nature has been linked to reduced stress and anxiety in children. The outdoor space, fresh air, and natural surroundings can calm young minds, promoting emotional well-being and happiness.

Sensory Stimulation

Outdoor play also exposes children to sensory experiences such as feeling different textures, hearing natural sounds, and seeing vibrant colors. These experiences help sensory integration and can positively impact their sensory processing abilities.

At Les Fanfans Daycare, we prioritize outdoor play as an essential part of our curriculum. Our facility has big spaces that offer a safe and stimulating environment where children can jump, run, ride bicycles, and play ball. We also encourage parents to support playing outside at home, which is valuable for toddlers’ and preschoolers’ well-being. 

By incorporating outdoor play into your child’s routine, you are letting them have fun and nurturing their physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development in meaningful ways. Our commitment to providing your child with a holistic learning experience includes outdoor play, which is integral to lifelong skills in the great outdoors. Join us in embracing the wonders of outdoor play. Contact Us today! 

Check out Destination Ontario’s website for more outdoor activities for you and your child in Ontario.