Why Outdoor Play is a Vital Part of Childhood

This blog is written by our friends at Hippychick

Getting out into the great outdoors is essential for children when they’re growing up. With over 25 years of expertise in all things baby and toddler, Hippychick knows the importance of outdoor play and how this can lay the foundation for a happy, healthy childhood. From physical development to emotional resilience, Hippychick tells us why getting out and about is so important for your little ones - plus, why staying hydrated during all that fun is just as important!

Build Healthy Habits from the Start

With childhood obesity affecting 15% of kids in the UK, encouraging movement from an early age is crucial. Being overweight in childhood often leads to health complications in adulthood, including diabetes and heart disease. But don’t worry, outdoor play is a natural and fun way to keep children active.

The NHS recommends at least 180 minutes of activity per day for preschoolers, with 60 of those minutes being high-energy, active play. Whether they’re riding a bike, skipping, or playing an action-packed game of hide and seek, children are not only building up their strength but also releasing those all-important endorphins - the mood-boosting hormones that help improve confidence and overall well-being.

Stay Hydrated for Endless Play

The more active they are, the more important it becomes to stay hydrated - especially in warmer weather. Children are more prone to dehydration than adults, so it’s essential to encourage regular water breaks during play. Keep a reusable water bottle handy and remind little ones to keep taking a sip whilst they play. Staying hydrated will help maintain their energy levels, making outdoor play even more enjoyable!

Fresh Air and Vitamin D

Spending time outside isn’t just about movement it also helps your little one to get a better night’s sleep. A day of outdoor adventure often means a calmer, easier bedtime and a refreshed start the next day.

Daylight is the best source of Vitamin D, which is essential for developing strong bones and teeth. Just don’t forget to keep them topped up with sunscreen and of course, plenty of water to keep them cool and refreshed!

Developmental Benefits for Budding Adventurers

The great outdoors is the perfect learning environment for children to develop their motor skills:

• Gross motor skills: Running, climbing, and balancing help strengthen large muscle groups and improve coordination.
• Fine motor skills: Picking up stones, making daisy chains, or making mud pies enhances dexterity, creativity, and problem-solving abilities.

Play the Danish Way

Denmark, one of the happiest countries on Earth, champions child-led, unstructured play. This approach encourages kids to explore, imagine and learn through hands-on experience, whether they’re climbing trees or building dens. Parenting expert Iben Sandahl highlights that resilience grows when children take risks and solve problems independently. Outdoor play provides the perfect setting for this, helping kids build confidence, adaptability, and emotional security - all while having fun!

No matter the Weather, Play Must Go On!

There’s no such thing as bad weather! With the right waterproofs, you can turn rainy days into their own source of fun with puddle-jumping and mud-splashing! A little drizzle shouldn’t stop the adventure, and staying active in all seasons builds resilience and adaptability.

Don’t see mud as a bad thing - it’s a sensory-rich experience that encourages creativity, problem-solving and studies suggest that exposure to dirt may even help reduce allergies and strengthen immunity. So, embrace the mess and don’t forget to rehydrate after all that muddy fun!

Now is the Time to get Outdoors

From stronger bones to better sleep, boosted immunity to enhanced creativity, outdoor play is packed with benefits. So, grab your water bottle and your waterproofs and let the next adventure begin.

P.S. Don’t forget to keep your little ones hydrated throughout their outdoor escapades - because the best adventures start with a sip of water and a whole lot of fun!