Outdoor play is essential for young children's development, providing them with opportunities to explore, move, and engage with their surroundings. It plays a crucial role in both mental and physical well-being, helping children to develop resilience, confidence, and social skills while also supporting their overall health.

The Benefits of Outdoor Play

Physical Health – Running, jumping, climbing, and balancing help children build strong muscles, improve coordination, and maintain a healthy weight.

Mental Wellbeing – Time outside reduces stress and anxiety, boosts mood, and helps children regulate their emotions.

Social Skills – Playing outdoors encourages teamwork, turn-taking, and communication.

Cognitive Development – Outdoor exploration stimulates curiosity and problem-solving skills.

Connection with Nature – Spending time outside fosters an appreciation for the natural world, which can lead to a lifelong love of the outdoors.

How to Encourage Outdoor Play in Early Years Settings

1. Make Outdoor Play a Daily Routine

Children should have regular opportunities to play outside, regardless of the weather. Waterproof clothing and shaded areas can help make outdoor play accessible all year round.

2. Create an Engaging Outdoor Environment

Providing a variety of spaces and activities encourages children to explore and be active. Consider:

• Natural elements like trees, grass, and water play areas.

• Open spaces for running and group games.

• Climbing structures to develop strength and coordination.

• Quiet areas with seating for relaxation and storytelling.

3. Incorporate Risky Play

Allowing children to take managed risks helps build confidence and resilience. Activities like climbing, balancing, and jumping from safe heights give children the chance to test their abilities in a controlled way.

4. Use Outdoor Play to Support Learning

Outdoor environments provide rich opportunities for learning across all areas of development. Examples include:

• Counting natural objects like leaves or stones for numeracy skills.

• Exploring textures and shapes for sensory development.

• Acting out stories and role-play games to enhance language skills.

5. Encourage Family Involvement

Parents and caregivers play a key role in promoting outdoor play. Providing take-home activity ideas, such as nature walks or scavenger hunts, can help families extend outdoor learning beyond the setting.

Overcoming Barriers to Outdoor Play

Some children may be reluctant to play outside, or settings may face challenges such as limited space. Strategies to overcome these barriers include:

• Making outdoor play inviting with interesting activities and equipment.

• Using local parks or community spaces if on-site outdoor areas are limited.

• Encouraging children to choose their own outdoor activities to increase engagement.

Outdoor play is not just a fun part of the day; it is an essential aspect of early years development. By providing opportunities for active, exploratory, and social play outside, practitioners can help support children's mental and physical wellbeing, setting the foundation for a healthy and happy childhood.