There is nothing quite like a family adventure with your kids. The natural world is the perfect place for those adventures because it provides endless opportunities for exploration, imagination, fun and plenty of fresh air. Outdoor play benefits children of all ages in so many ways.

Outdoor Play Benefits
Get Out And Be Active Outdoors
Children are in their element when they are outdoors. It’s where they can be active, run, jump climb, yell, and be loud. Every day after school, my youngest son looks forward to leaving his “quiet voice” inside and getting outside. He’s play with the dog, run around, and make all kinds of noise.
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Playing outdoors is also where children can use all of their senses. They can see, feel, smell, touch, and taste (within reason when you bring the snacks). The natural world is constantly changing making it a great place to play and learn.
Younger children develop gross motor skills that are needed before they tackle fine motor skills. For instance, children need to learn to run and hop before they can skip or jump rope. They also expend energy allowing them to focus more when needed.
With one in three American children classified as overweight or obese, being active is critically important for their health. Playing outside gives child plenty of opportunities to be active. They can climb a tree, run in the backyard, play on a local playground, or hike a local trail. No matter where you are with the kids, you can find a place to get outdoors and play.
Fun Way to Learn
Children grow as they play. They learn important lessons in persistence, leadership, competition and bravery. They learn cooperation when taking turns on the slide, how to part of a team when playing a group game, good sportsmanship, how to negotiate when setting the rules for a game, and helpfulness when giving assistance. Spending time outside as part of a larger group of children allows them child to make friends, problem solve and express his feelings.
Playing outdoors is also where they can let their imagination run wild. They can climb to the top of a hill or jungle gym and become the king or queen of the castle. They can be explorers, astronauts, or anything they can imagine. They can try new things and feel accomplished when they do what they set out to do.

Opt Outside Anywhere
There is no right or wrong way to get outdoors and play. Not everyone has easy access to woodlands or the beach on your doorstep, but there are always ways to get outdoors near you. It can happen in the backyard, neighborhood playground, urban park, or on a nature trail. It doesn’t have to cost a penny either. You can watch the clouds overhead, bird watch, swoosh through the air on the swings, or go on a nature scavenger hunt.
One of the city parks here has a fun playscape the kids love. Even when we travel, we look for places we can stop, stretch our legs, and play outside.

Regardless of where you are, being outdoors is a chance to spend time with your children. The best thing you can do for them is to just get out there and see what adventure you can create together.

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