Born To Be Outside

Playing actively outdoors can be beneficial to your child. It increases flexibility, fine and gross motor skills, and is related to the development of a wide variety of physical skills. But sometimes, getting your child to explore can be a challenge on its own. Here are some ways to encourage your child to go outside and have fun!

Take the indoors out!
Encourage them to have play time outside by taking their favourite toys out into the sunlight! Whether its their favourite stuffed toy, building block or playdough, being outdoors can help inspire and stretch their creativity even more!

Spend time together outdoors as a family
Whether it be an evening walk together or involving your children in washing the car, being outdoors yourself is a great way to encourage children to be there too.

Don’t stress about the mess
Messy play isn’t just more fun outdoors, but it has less clean up too! Being outside allows your child more freedom to create a mess without fear of breaking something precious - like your favourite mug!

Make it a habit
This is self-explanatory; consistently spending time outdoors every day is important to encouraging a child’s engagement with natural places, so make it part of your daily routine.

Take time to explore a range of outdoor environments
Go beyond your own garden. Public parks or the beach are great places to explore and a wonderful place to let your child interact with others too!

Make it social
It’s time for a playdate! Inviting a friend over to play may be just the incentive your child needs to play outdoors. Set up fun outdoor activities that can be done in groups.