Healthy children through outdoor activities!

Vier Kinder spielen im Wald

Children are little adventurers. They are naturally curious and full of energy. But in an increasingly digital world where screens dominate, it is even more important to show them that outdoor activities are a nice change. In this article, we explain why outdoor activities are so important for children.

How do outdoor activities affect your child’s physical health?

Running around, climbing, cycling, playing ball or skipping rope. Children are real bundles of energy and love to discover the world anew every day. When your child plays outside, they breathe deeply and fill their lungs with fresh air. Outdoor activities also enable them to improve their motor skills and strengthen their bones and muscles. Exercise outdoors not only promotes healthy physical development, but also helps maintain a healthy weight and strengthens the cardiovascular system. Summertime in particular is ideal for outdoor activities, as the sun promotes the production of vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth.

How do outdoor activities promote social interaction and mental well-being?

Playing with other children. Children often meet other children during outdoor activities. They play together, talk to each other and discover nature together. Through these activities, they learn to communicate with each other and resolve conflicts at an early age - which in turn promotes social skills and self-confidence. Nature also has a magical, calming effect on the body and mind. "Get out into nature!" is the motto that helps manage stress, because green landscapes, the rustling of trees and the chirping of birds act as a balm for the soul and can help reduce fears and worries. Studies show that children who regularly spend time outdoors suffer less from anxiety and depression.

Little boy running down the mountain with a kite in his hand

How can outdoor activities stimulate your child’s creativity and imagination?

Whether it's a treasure hunt, a self-built tree house or an invented game - nature is an endless playground for children's imagination. When children play outside, they can fully develop their creativity and create their own adventures. When playing in nature, there are no fixed structures and no rules. This free development promotes creative thinking and encourages children to find innovative solutions.

Outdoor activities also heighten children's sensory perceptions. They feel the textures of plants, hear the wind in the trees, smell the scent of flowers and see a variety of colors. There is a wealth of fascinating things to discover in nature, be it the diversity of flora and fauna or the natural landscapes. Children can observe nature, take in details and be inspired by these impressions. This can lead to them using their creative skills in new ways and developing their imagination.

So: get out into nature!

Outdoor activities allow your child to discover and appreciate the beauty and diversity of nature. When they observe animals, pollinate plants or wander through forests, they encourage their creativity and learn to make responsible decisions together with other children. Outdoor activities are not only unforgettable experiences, but also strengthen the physical, emotional and social health of our children. So let's put the smartphone aside together and get out into nature!

Sources:

  • (1) Janssen, I., Leblanc, AG, & Gortmaker, SL (2012). The importance of play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. Pediatrics, 129 (1), e204-e213 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22201149/).
  • (2) Taylor, AF, & Kuo, FE (2009). Children with attention deficits concentrate better after walking in the park. Journal of Attention Disorders, 12 (5), 402-409 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18725656/).
  • (3) Berman, M.G., Jonides, J., & Kaplan, S. (2008). The cognitive benefits of interacting with nature. Psychological Science, 19 (12), 1207-1212 (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19121124/).
  • (4) Herrington, S., & Studtmann, K. (1998). Landscape interventions: New directions for the design of children's outdoor play environments. Landscape and Urban Planning, 42 (2-4), 191-205 (https://www.academia.edu/3181133/Landscape_interventions_new_directions_for_the_design_of_childrens_outdoor_play_environments).
  • (5) Van den Berg, AE, Jorgensen, A., & Wilson, E.R. (2007). Evaluating restoration in urban green spaces: Does setting type make a difference? Landscape and Urban Planning, 83 (1), 198-211.