When the weather outside is frightful, staying indoors sounds delightful. But where’s the fun in that? Being outside playing, socializing, and getting much-needed movement is beneficial and extremely important for mental and physical health!
For those in colder climates, it can be harder to get outdoors in the winter…but not impossible. With a little planning and preparation, you can be comfortable and have outside fun year-round.
Benefits of Outdoor Winter Play
The benefits of outdoor play are well-documented. They include:
- Improved physical health. Outdoor play helps children get exercise, which is important for their overall health and well-being. Exercise helps strengthen bones and muscles, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce the risk of obesity.
- Improved mental health. Outdoor play is an ideal way to improve mood, and boost cognitive function. It can also help children develop social skills and learn to cooperate with others.
- Increased exposure to sunlight. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health and immune function. Regular exposure to sunlight can help reduce the risk of developing certain chronic diseases, such as osteoporosis and heart disease.
Many of us associate outdoor activities with warmer weather. While that may be preferable, limiting outdoor play to the spring and summer months means you’re letting half the year go to waste. Sure, games like “the floor is lava” can provide indoor stimulation, but a living room doesn’t allow nearly the same amount of freedom and exploration as the great outdoors…and do you really want to risk having them break that expensive lamp on the end table?
How to Keep Kids Playing Outside
Granted, there are instances where outdoor play just won’t cut it. Use your best judgment when making the call. But you can keep kids playing outside in the winter by taking the following steps:
- Dress warmly. Dress children in layers to keep them warm and comfortable while playing outside in the winter. Start with a base layer of long underwear, followed by a middle layer of fleece or wool, and an outer layer of waterproof and windproof gear. Don't forget to cover their heads, hands, and feet!
- Take breaks. Children can get cold quickly in the winter, so it’s important to take breaks often. Go inside to warm up every 20-30 minutes, or more often if they start to feel cold or wet.
- Plan activities. Just telling kids to “go outside” won’t cut it. Come up with a plan to keep them motivated and engaged. Winter activities like sledding, building snowmen, going for walks, or playing games in the park are always popular.
If they end up having too much fun playing outside and don’t want to come indoors? Hot chocolate is always a great motivator.
An All-Weather Solution
Playgrounds appeal to children of all ages regardless of the season! BCI Burke's Nucleus Evolution Play System is a great way to keep kids active and engaged all winter long. This versatile play structure features, climbers, rope tunnels, and Cobra® Slides that will provide hours of entertainment for children of all ages. Kids will keep moving and stay warm while gaining important developmental benefits that transcend the playground.
Check out this article for more tips on how to keep your outdoor habits happening even in winter! If you’re interested in creating your new commercial playground, recreation area, or outdoor fitness space that can keep kids and families active year round, contact a Buell Recreation representative to get started!