Playing outside isn’t just beneficial in the moment, it helps kids grow and develop in ways that will stand to them as they get older.
 
It seems that most of our own childhood memories are of being in the great outdoors (or at least out on ‘the green’). However, given that kids these days have almost constant access to gadgets and screens, it's particularly important to encourage them to get out and about more often.
 
Here are 10 GREAT reasons to encourage them to venture outside:
 
1. The fitness factor
 
Kids' bodies need to move, and that’s not going to happen if they’re sitting inside looking at a screen. Playing outside encourages physical activity – from running around, to playing sports, to getting stuck into all kinds of fun, active games.
 
2. They’ll soak up vitamin D
 
The only way kiddos can get this crucial vitamin is through sunlight, so exposing them to a daily dose of sunshine is a must. Vitamin D helps the body absorb and retain calcium, a vital mineral – as we all know – for healthy bones and teeth.
 
 
3. They'll meet new friends
 
Making friends is an important part of childhood, so having kids spend time with their peers is essential. A great way for them to meet new friends is through summer camps and afterschool courses like Coillte’s Compass Club, which seeks to “swap screentime for playtime”. Available all over the country, Compass Club creates a fertile environment for kids to interact throughout a series of fun outdoor activities like fire lighting, treasure hunts, marshmallow toasting and energising games. And as their after school courses are available all throughout the school year, the kids can get a daily dose of fresh air whatever the weather!
 
4. It’s educational
 
Exploration is a huge part of spending time outdoors. Children interact with nature first hand, observe what’s going on around them and make discoveries they never would have come across indoors.
 
 
5. It’s easy on our pockets
 
Fresh air will always be free (well, we hope so anyway!) so outdoor play isn’t going to put too much of a strain on our purse strings. Which means more money for ice cream!
 
6. It’s a confidence builder
 
Spending time outdoors is one of the best ways for children to develop their social skills. Interaction happens naturally in an unthreatening environment as kids play imaginative games and sports, and learn sharing, responsibility and cooperation.
 
 
7. It improves sleep quality
 
Well, we’re not to going to say, “It tires them out”, because that would be… erm, mean, but we will say the combination of fresh air and physical activity contributes to a deeper, better quality sleep!
 
8. It’s intellectually stimulating
 
Being outdoors stimulates kids’ curiosity, encourages pretend play and boosts their ability to solve problems based on their environment.
 
 
9. It’s inclusive
 
Kids who don’t consider themselves ‘sporty’, may exclude themselves from certain games. Outdoor play is inclusive in that they don’t need to be au fait with a certain sport to skip, jump and run around.
 
10. It gets them away from screens
 
Getting the kids out and about simply takes them away from all those screens vying for their attention. Whether it’s a phone, tablet, computer game or TV, too much screentime can contribute to aches and pains, obesity and a lessened attention span in the classroom.

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