Heading outdoors to play may seem like a no-brainer on a gentle spring day when the sun is shining and the birds are singing. But how about in the scorching heat of summer, the frigid cold of winter, or the tempestuous wind and rain of autumn?
If keeping kids indoors to observe less-than-ideal weather through the window of a climate-controlled playroom seems like the path of least resistance, that's probably because it is. That being said, year-round outdoor play and exploration have innumerable benefits for children of all ages, and putting in the extra effort to help them enjoy the fresh air in every season builds natural confidence, stamina, and resilience.
Love the idea of consistent outdoor play, but find that you and your kids still have a tough time getting out the door when the weather's less than ideal? At Refresh Toys, we totally get that. It's why facilitating fun experiences in all conditions is key - and why we've created this post filled with helpful tips and motivation for making outdoor play exciting year-round!
So, grab your hat, coat, and boots...and let's get started:
Why Kids Need To Play In All Weather
Getting motivated to brave the elements with children can feel like a challenge - but at Refresh Sports, we believe it's a challenge well worth taking. In this section, let's take a look at some of the compelling reasons why all-weather outdoor play truly matters when it comes to children's physical, mental, and emotional well-being:
Boosts Immunity & Health
Let's start with the fact that vitamin D improves immune function - and that sunlight naturally triggers the production of vitamin D. Exposure to the microorganisms found in soil can also boost the immune system - which is one of the reasons why activities like working in the garden, collecting worms, and making mud pies should be encouraged rather than discouraged (though having a hose and change of clothes handy is never a bad idea).
Enhances Social Skills & Teamwork
Outdoor time provides children with a less structured environment where finding new ways to communicate, negotiate, make decisions, and problem-solve are essential. Teamwork and cooperation are often hallmarks of outdoor play - as are the development of conflict resolution and problem-solving skills when things don't quite go as planned. For older children, stepping into a new leadership role may happen naturally during a nature walk or outdoor game - especially when peers or little ones seek a confident role model to follow.
Encourages Physical Fitness & Motor Skills
A vast body of research has linked outdoor time to many health benefits, including improved physical fitness, cardiovascular health, energy, mood, sleep, weight management, bone health, balance, strength, coordination, and more. The bottom line is that time outdoors is tremendously valuable for children's health - and should be prioritized year-round, regardless of the weather conditions in any given season.
Teaches Appreciation For Nature
When kids spend time outdoors, their appreciation for nature organically grows and deepens. Children who have the opportunity to observe, experience, and enjoy the natural world first-hand in every season are more likely to become stewards of the environment - and teach others to respect it too.
1. Embrace The Outdoors: Key Benefits Of Year-Round Play
We've seen some of the reasons why outdoor play is crucial for kids' physical, social, and emotional development, but why is braving the weather in every season so important? Here are a few notable benefits of year-round outdoor play to keep in mind:
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Enhanced Resilience - Exposure to different temperatures and weather conditions builds physical and mental strength, requiring kids to adapt to discomfort and develop the skills to handle challenging situations.
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Continuous Physical Development - The more children play outdoors, the stronger and more coordinated their bodies become. When outdoor play is a consistent part of daily life, kids learn to independently trust their physical abilities - and safely navigate risks and challenges as they arise.
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Increased Social Interactions - Children who play outdoors all year-round have the opportunity to develop effective in-person social skills - and avoid the isolation and sedentary lifestyle often associated with excessive screen time.
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Learning About Seasonal Changes - Year-round outdoor play facilitates an in-depth understanding of the natural world and an appreciation for the unique changes that accompany every month and season.
2. Bad Weather? Just Dress Right For Outdoor Fun
A common adage in the world of outdoor play? There's no bad weather; only bad clothing. In practice, this just means it's important to dress your kids (and yourself) appropriately based on the current weather conditions. That way, you're able to enjoy your time outdoors - instead of feeling uncomfortable or downright miserable from start to finish.
In summer, it's vital to have cool clothing, a comfortable hat, plenty of water, bug spray, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear for the activity you're planning to do.
In winter, layers are the name of the game. At Refresh Sports, we recommend a base layer that wicks moisture, followed by an insulating layer, and finally a waterproof layer on the outside. Boots, mittens, and hats rated for the temperatures outdoors are also a high priority.
Raining outside? Make sure you've donned a good raincoat and rainboots before you leave the shelter of your home.
3. Stick To A Routine
When you add something to your calendar, it becomes a habit, and habits are tough to break. That's actually a good thing when it comes to making outdoor play a consistent part of your routine!
Decide when outdoor play will take place in your household - for example, every day after school between 4 and 5 p.m. - and then commit to sticking to that schedule rain, snow, sleet, or shine. It may seem tough at first, but with a little practice, you'll wonder how your kids ever survived without built-in time for outdoor play in every season!
4. Make It A Family Bonding Opportunity
It's not just kids who benefit from time outdoors - in fact, adults reap all the same rewards when they prioritize getting out in the fresh air on a regular basis. Why not make outdoor play an intentional opportunity for family connection and bonding? Saturday afternoon hikes, cross-country skiing, or beach time together all represent wonderful ways to disconnect from screens and spend meaningful time with those you love the most.
How Teachers And Educators Can Support Year-Round Play
Like parents, teachers and educators can support year-round outdoor play in a number of simple ways. These include:
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Encouraging families to send kids to school with appropriate clothing for the weather in every season
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Creating a safe outdoor play space with a variety of diverse activities (swing set, obstacle courses, mud kitchen, chalk play, water play, loose parts, other outdoor toys, etc.)
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Incorporating outdoor learning into school subjects like math, language arts, science, visual arts, and more
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Supporting social development and creativity through opportunities for unstructured, imaginative play
Enhance Outdoor Play With Outdoor Toys
Access to high-quality outdoor toys can make all the difference when you're aiming to establish a consistent outdoor play routine with the little people in your life. From flying toys to water toys, sensory toys, multiplayer games, and more, our award-winning inventory of screen-free products is the perfect starting point for imaginative, outdoor fun in every season!
Enjoy Outdoor Fun All Year With Refresh Sports
Looking for versatile outdoor toys for kids that can be used year-round to enhance fresh-air play experiences? At Refresh Sports, we've got everything you need. Browse our innovative outdoor toys today to get started!
