Photo by Danya Gutan

In this digital age where play experiences are available on screen, when was the last time you played outdoors with your kids?

Play is crucial in early childhood development. It helps children develop cognitive skills and physical strength. The importance of play in early childhood stretches further into building stronger parent-child connections.

But with the advent of digital games at your disposal, how many of you, parents, still bond with your kids to play? Remember, extensive screen time poses serious health issues and could harm their overall development. Let them go out! The world offers countless outdoor adventures for kids.

Playing outside allows your children to explore natural environments. These environments allow them to improve their awareness and observational skills. When playing in nature, your kids can experience emotional restoration and confide in others, ultimately improving their social and emotional well-being. Being one with nature also provides them room to think more freely and design their own activities.

When kids play outdoors, they have the freedom to shout by making noises and letting off steam. The outside world provides a vast landscape for jumping, running, and exercises that can improve their physical strength and stamina.

If extended screen time risks eye health, another benefit of playing outdoors is that it reduces short-sightedness (myopia) in children and young people.

Outdoor Activities for 3-5 Year Olds

Kids playing with adults in the yard
Photo by Ron Lach

Your efforts in reducing screen time for your kids were successful. Hurrah! Now you’ve finally made your kids outside. What should we do? If you have 3 to 5 year-olds, here are some outdoor adventures for kids their age:

Nature Observations

A kid holding binoculars
Photo by RDNE Stock project

Go on a trip to the zoo with your kids. Take them on a trail to a breathtaking mountaintop or hike the forest slopes. Outdoor nature adventures offer a spontaneous learning experience for children.

When going on a trip to natural sites, don’t forget to bring observational tools like binoculars or sketching materials.

Outdoor Dramatic Plays

Girl making potion in a cauldron
Photo by Kampus Production

The outside world offers numerous places for your kids to think freely and express their imaginations creatively. Let them role-play outdoor scenes, and be sure to participate. So, ready your costumes and props—it’s going to be a magical visit to the fantasy world!  

Nature Letters or Inscriptions

Maple leaves forming an inscription on the grass
Photo by Maksim Goncharenok

Let your kids be imaginative in natural environments. Leaves, rocks, twigs, and seeds that fell on the ground can form alphabets or inscriptions. Or, maybe draw an image. Natural wonders offer endless creative possibilities for kids. This is a perfect moment to teach them the value of resourcefulness; that even when it seems like there’s nothing left, nature blesses us with something to make something.

What else? There are plenty of enjoyable outdoor activities your kids can try: treasure hunting, crayon rubbings, ball games, obstacle course, and balloon tennis, you name it! Explore numerous activities for your preschoolers, especially those you can play in nature. Make the most of this moment in their development stage. Because when they get to school, you’ll miss them a lot. A few hours without them is like years of separation.

And when your kids reach school age, how can you keep them playing and learning?

Outdoor Adventures for Kids in School

Kids huddling with a facilitator
Photo by RDNE Stock project

While you can trust your kids in the care of their kindergarten teachers, early childhood schools provide a spare moment for parents to bond with their kids within school premises. That’s where you can engage your child in outdoor adventures for kids in school.

You can try these fun play exercises:

Nature Scavenger Hunt:

On a piece of paper, list items for your kids to find. Things like leaves, rocks, or insects. This activity encourages exploration and teamwork as they search around school grounds.

Relay Races:

Kids form teams to race in relays with tasks like balancing a beanbag or hopping on one leg. This builds teamwork, coordination, and friendly competition.

Jump Rope Challenge:

Kids take turns jumping rope, setting personal records, or competing in groups. It’s great for cardiovascular health and coordination, and kids love testing their limits.

Hide and Seek:

A classic among outdoor adventures for kids in school. Spare some of your energy to play hide and seek with your kids and their friends. This is a game for kids and kids at heart!

Teach Your Kids Environmental Responsibility

While these outdoor activities provide fun learning experiences for your kids, don’t forget to teach them environmental responsibility as well. Remind them to leave no trace. Be sure to bring a waste bag with you. Please, please, please, teach your kids to leave no trace and preserve the natural environment. Tell them to collect their rubbish and throw them in the proper bin.

Outdoor Time Can Be Story Time

Gone are the days when we sat totally and just listened to a story. The book, “Mona’s Mitten a Story to MOVE to by Kristina Orliczky gives a book-to-life experience. While it talks about the adventures of a little skier and a mouse, this book is also interactive. It engages you with exercises you can do wherever you read it. Immersive and engaging—it’s an excellent read for you and your kids. Grab a copy now!

Speaking of storytelling, would you like to share your story with your kids? Do you mind suggesting some other outdoor activities we could try? Let us know in the comments! Thank you for reading.

Kristina Orliczky is a licensed physical therapist and certified Feldenkrais practitioner dedicated to enhancing movement awareness and physical engagement. She is the author of "Mona's Mitten: A Story to MOVE to," a children's book that encourages young readers to explore movement through an interactive narrative. With a passion for promoting physical activity in children, Kristina combines her expertise in therapy with her love for storytelling. She believes in the power of movement to foster creativity and well-being. Through her writing and practice, Kristina inspires children and families to embrace an active lifestyle while enjoying the joy of reading.
Kristina Orliczky

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