By: Bec Harris
As we leave winter behind and welcome warmer weather, it’s the perfect time to encourage children to spend more time outdoors.
Dr Kelsie Prabawa-Sear, CEO of Nature Play WA, shares insights on how to motivate young children to reconnect with the joy of outdoor play.
Why Is It Hard to Motivate Kids to Play Outside?
It often depends on their age or lack of recent experience playing outdoors. Some children may not think about playing outside if they haven’t done it often, or they might wonder who they’ll play with. Bringing a friend along can suddenly make outdoor play more exciting. Every child has different interests, so sometimes it just takes time outside for them to remember what they love about being outdoors. Once they start playing, the endorphins and fresh air often keep them outside longer than expected.
How to Encourage Outdoor Play for Kids Under 10
- For kids who love kicking and chasing balls, outdoor ball games are a great go-to.
- For less competitive fun, try playful activities like what Kelsie did with her children, hitting a shuttlecock with Tupperware lids, which encourages laughter and creativity.
- In the backyard, provide simple items like empty buckets, pots, and pans with spoons for mixing “potions.”
- As kids grow, introduce real tools and natural objects like sticks to encourage tinkering and hands-on exploration, suiting all children regardless of gender.
- Offer open-ended play materials that sparkle creativity and science.
Getting children back outside with playful and creative options helps them rediscover the benefits of nature and active play, boosting their physical health, social skills, and overall happiness.
Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.
Feature image: Canva
