Research-Based Article

Importance of Outdoor Play

By Chelsea Penney

It’s nearly summer! Let’s go outside! We are so lucky to have wonderful parks and outdoor spaces in Austin, and children crave the fresh air. Outdoor exploration is essential to a child’s education. The National Association for the Education of Young Children says, “Although some people may believe that frequent opportunities for playful learning outdoors, including explorations of nature, are merely niceties, we see them as critical for healthy whole child development.” Playing outdoors in natural and playground environments help children develop creativity, independence and physicality. They learn about natural science, biology and how to care for the environment.

It is important that children have time to run outside in an open field, climb on a playground, hike a trail and observe the plants and insects around them. Not only does it improve physical skills and give great exercise, it also improves cognition. “Studies show that outdoor learning delivers many benefits -- reducing stress, improving moods, boosting concentration, and increasing a child's engagement at school” (Dettweiler).

Outside experiences help children developmentally and academically. “Studies have shown that students who learn outdoors develop: a sense of self, independence, confidence, creativity, decision-making and problem-solving skills, empathy towards others, motor skills, self-discipline and initiative” (University of Wisconsin). Nature gives many effective opportunities to learn different subjects. “In the outside playground children can learn math, science, ecology, gardening, ornithology, construction, farming, vocabulary, the seasons, the various times of the day, and all about the local weather” (UW). Test scores, behavior in school and school attendance rates are also greatly improved by outside play in school and at home.

In addition to helping children become independent thinkers, playing in natural settings make them aware of their environment and how to protect it. Children become better world citizens by enjoying their surroundings. “Outdoor experiences help students increase their understanding of their natural and human communities which leads to a sense of place. Through connection to place, students develop stronger environmental attitudes and civic behaviors. Outdoors learning experiences are the foundation of raising the next generation of active citizens who take care of their natural and human communities” (UW).

Outdoor education is not only beneficial to the individual child who develops steadily and learns effectively, but also to the greater world as young environmentalists grow up valuing the world’s natural features. Plus, outside is fun! Go hiking, swimming, running, playing sports and gliding down slides because it is a wonderful learning opportunity, and it is just plain fun.

For more information, visit:

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/jul2017/outdoor-play-child-development

https://www.uwsp.edu/cnr-ap/leaf/school-grounds/documents/outdoor%20education%20research%20for%20school%20Grounds.pdf

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brain-waves/201802/the-benefits-learning-outdoors

https://www.parentingscience.com/outdoor-learning.html

http://www.communityplaythings.com/resources/articles/2010/outdoor-play

Nearby parks:

Oak Springs Elementary Playground- 3601 Webberville Rd, Austin, TX 78702

Rosewood Neighborhood Park- 2300 Rosewood Ave, Austin, TX 78702

Govalle Neighborhood Park- 5200 Bolm Rd., Austin, Texas 78721

Parque Zaragoza- 2608 Gonzales St, Austin, TX 78702

Butler Hike and Bike Trail- 1820 S Lakeshore Blvd, Austin, TX 78741