What can be gained from the positive power of outdoor play? 

Safe outdoor surroundings are where children can explore the power of their independent play outside. The art of make-believe play throughout history has been the key to many important inventions and famous discoveries.  Make believe play allows a child to use creative skills and find the joy of self-reward by creating games and pastimes that only need to be pleasing to them. In addition to these exercises of a child’s imagination and creative skills, outdoor play also helps develop:  

• Goal setting, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, all of which are important aspects of academic success.  
• Creative resourcefulness, which promotes independence.  
• Social skills, which help build the child’s personality, secure relationships, and help form positive self-confidence.    

How can you encourage outdoor play for your children?  

• While your child is young and needs parental supervision and engagement, play outside with your child as often as possible. (Keep it simple, play tag or throw a ball, build a fort, dig in the sand, ride bikes, take a walk… the possibilities are endless)  
• Limit the appeal of being inside by minimizing television watching and video games.  
• Try and make organized after-school activities the exception rather than the rule. This gives children the opportunity to structure their own time, occupy themselves, and make independent decisions.  
• Visit local playgrounds or turn your backyard into a playground.  incorporate materials that invite exploration.  
• Get together with other parents in your community to brainstorm ways of providing unstructured play opportunities for your children and then take turns supervising them.   

 Inspiring your child to discover the positive power of outdoor play can start young. Instilling a love for playing outside can begin as early as bringing your baby outside on a blanket to enjoy the sunshine and sights of nature. As children mature, their love for outdoor play can build skills that will help them be self-assured and motivated problem solvers into adulthood.