The Power of Outdoor Play and Why you should start overspending on outdoor toys

Why you should start overspending on outdoor toys

Outdoor toys are like a gateway to endless adventures and boundless fun. From bouncing on a trampoline to splashing in a water table, these playthings offer children not just amusement but a host of developmental benefits. The undeniable advantages they offer make them an invaluable investment in a child’s growth and well-being.

Swings & Slides

The allure of outdoor toys lies in their ability to inspire imagination and foster physical activity. Consider the humble ball – a simple object that can transform a backyard into a soccer field, basketball court, or baseball diamond. As children chase after balls, they develop crucial motor skills, coordination, and spatial awareness. More than just playthings, outdoor toys like swings and slides encourage children to engage in physical exercise, promoting cardiovascular health and strength.

Trampolines

Trampolines, with their exhilarating bounce, offer not just entertainment but also opportunities for children to improve balance and proprioception. Jumping on a trampoline requires coordination and control, traits that contribute to overall physical competence. Moreover, the sheer joy of bouncing up and down promotes the release of endorphins, fostering a sense of happiness and well-being in children.

Water tables & Sand Toys

Water tables and sand toys, meanwhile, invite children to explore the sensory wonders of nature. Splashing in water and digging in sand stimulate the senses, allowing children to discover texture, temperature, and fluid dynamics firsthand. Through such tactile experiences, children develop cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity as they build, mold, and experiment with different materials.

Despite the undeniable benefits of outdoor toys, acquiring them can be financially challenging. On the other hand, investing in outdoor toys is an investment in children’s physical, cognitive, and emotional development. By promoting active play and exploration, outdoor toys lay the foundation for a healthy lifestyle and instill a lifelong love for nature and physical activity. One strategy is to use birthdays and holidays as present opportunities to request outdoor toys as gifts.

Outdoor Play has a Positive Impact on Mental Well-Being

Encouraging children to engage in outdoor play with toys offers numerous benefits, particularly if they spend excessive time indoors and on screens. Outdoor play contributes to mental well-being by providing children with fresh air, sunlight, and exposure to nature. It reduces stress, anxiety, and mood swings, fostering a positive outlook and emotional resilience.

The World Of Education writes: ‘Play is the highest form of research’ (Albert Einstein) – Play is so vital for a healthy childhood that it is enshrined as a human right* and yet the latest research suggests that many children spent *less* time playing outside during lockdown than ever before – resulting in the least fit generation of children in history. In addition to the impact on physical health, this loss of outdoor play is having an impact on our children’s mental health – their happiness and well-being. If we are to truly recover from the pandemic, this mental impact must be addressed. Considerable research shows evidence that children’s mental health and wellbeing is enhanced by spending time outdoors. A connection to nature is a basic human need, boosting overall health and well-being. ‘Modern life has created a distance between humans and nature that now we’re realising isn’t good in a whole host of ways.’ (Gretel Van Wieren – Michigan State University).

Outdoor play offers a healthy alternative to screen time and sedentary activities. It reduces the negative effects of excessive screen time while encouraging active, hands-on learning experiences. Furthermore, outdoor play provides opportunities for family bonding and quality time spent together. Parents and caregivers can join children in outdoor activities, creating lasting memories and strengthening familial relationships.

Finally, outdoor play enhances cognitive skills and academic readiness by promoting exploration, discovery, and inquiry-based learning. It fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, laying the foundation for academic success and lifelong learning.

Outdoor play with toys offers a holistic approach to child development, addressing physical, mental, social, emotional, and cognitive needs. By providing children with opportunities to explore, create, and connect with the natural world, outdoor play enriches their lives and nurtures their overall well-being.

Start Small

Small outdoor toys offer big fun without taking up much space. Here are some examples:

Jump Ropes: Jump ropes are classic outdoor toys that promote cardiovascular health and coordination. They come in various lengths and colors, making them suitable for children of all ages.

Flying Discs: Lightweight and easy to throw, flying discs encourage active play and hand-eye coordination. Children can toss them back and forth or engage in games like Frisbee golf, promoting teamwork and spatial awareness.

Kites: Flying a kite is a timeless outdoor pastime that captivates children and adults alike. From colorful diamond kites to elaborate dragon kites, there are options for every skill level and preference. Learning to launch and maneuver a kite promotes patience, perseverance, and spatial awareness.

Sprinklers: Water offers refreshing outdoor fun, especially on hot summer days. Children can engage in water play with friends and family, promoting social interaction and active play.

Bug Catchers: Bug catchers encourage children to explore the natural world around them. With magnifying lenses and mesh containers, children can observe and study insects up close, fostering curiosity and appreciation for nature.

Outdoor Building Blocks: Lightweight and durable outdoor building blocks allow children to unleash their creativity while constructing structures in the backyard or sandbox. Building with blocks promotes spatial reasoning, problem-solving skills, and imaginative play.

In conclusion, while the acquisition of outdoor toys may pose challenges, their benefits far outweigh the obstacles. From promoting physical health and development to nurturing creativity and imagination, outdoor toys play a vital role in children’s lives. By recognizing the importance of outdoor play and seeking creative solutions to financial constraints, families can provide children with enriching play experiences that will shape their growth and well-being for years to come.