In a time when we're always looking at digital screens, it's important for our health and wellbeing to spend some time outside. That's what National Play Outside Day is all about. It happens on the first Saturday of each month, and the next one is on Saturday, August 5th, 2023. This day reminds us all—kids, parents, and even grandparents—to go outside and have some fun. You don't need any special plans or events; just enjoy being outdoors. Doing this every month can help us take breaks from our gadgets and spend more time with nature and each other.
Benefits of Playing Outdoors
Playing outside is not only fun but also packed with numerous health benefits for both children and adults. Here are some benefits of spending time outdoors:
- Physical Health: When kids play outside, they are more likely to run, jump, throw, and catch, all of which are great ways to improve their heart health, flexibility, and coordination. Getting outside often can also help you keep a healthy weight and boost your immune system.
- Mental Health: Natural light exposure has been linked to improved mood and increased serotonin levels, which can help in the treatment of depression and anxiety. Spending time in green spaces can also help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Vitamin D Boost: Sunshine is a natural source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, immune function, and overall well-being. Just remember to apply sunscreen or to protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
- Learning and Creativity: The great outdoors is a fantastic classroom. Children can learn about nature, weather, seasons, and animals while playing outside. Plus, the unstructured nature of outdoor play can foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and imagination.
- Social Skills: Outdoor play often involves group activities, which can help children develop their communication skills, learn to cooperate with others, understand sharing, and make new friends.
- Improved Sleep: Research suggests that exposure to natural light and physical activity can lead to better sleep patterns.
In today's digital age, it's more important than ever to encourage outdoor play. So, whether it's a family walk, a game of catch in the park, or just exploring the backyard, try to incorporate some outdoor time into your daily routine.
Fun Outdoor Activities
Spending time outdoors with your children not only strengthens your bond but also helps them appreciate nature. Here are some fun activities you can try:
- Nature Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of things to find in your backyard or local park - a certain type of leaf, a bird's feather, a pinecone, etc. This will keep kids engaged and help them understand more about the environment.
- Bike Ride: A family bike ride is a great way to explore your neighborhood or local trails. Don't forget to wear helmets!
- Plant a Garden: Teach your kids about the process of growth by planting a small vegetable or flower garden. They'll love watching their plants grow over time.
- Picnic: Pack lunch and have a picnic in your backyard or a nearby park. You could even bring a frisbee or ball for some post-lunch fun.
- Star Gazing: On a clear night, lay out a blanket in your yard and watch the stars. You can use a star chart or app to identify different constellations.
- Outdoor Art: Encourage creativity by doing some outdoor art. Use sidewalk chalk to create murals on your driveway, or paint rocks to decorate your garden.
- Camping in the Backyard: Set up a tent in your backyard and spend the night under the stars. Tell stories, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the sounds of nature.
- Bird Watching: Set up a bird feeder and watch the different types of birds that come to visit. You can even make it educational by researching each bird species.
Remember, the goal is to have fun and enjoy each other's company while appreciating the beauty of the great outdoors.
Get Moving at Home or in the Community
Whether you're drawn to the tranquility of beach yoga, the thrill of backyard obstacle courses, or the fun of pool or ocean play, there's always a way to keep active. Enjoy the simple pleasure of an evening stroll with your family pet, or join us for a more structured exercise regimen. We invite you, along with the rest of our community and employees, to be part of Broward Health's Downtown Run and Walk Club.
For further details, please visit www.browardhealth.org/fitnesscenter.
Staying Safe
Enjoying the outdoors can be a wonderful adventure for both kids and adults, but it's important to prioritize safety. Here are some tips to ensure you and your children can have fun outside while staying safe:
- Use the Buddy System: Always have a companion when you're outdoors, especially in unfamiliar areas. This ensures that if anything happens, there's someone who can help or raise the alarm.
- Emphasize Personal Safety: Teach children about "stranger danger" and the importance of not wandering off alone.v
- Have a Plan: Before heading outdoors, plan your activities, know the area, and share your plan with someone who's not going with you.
- Remember Road Safety: If your outdoor activities involve biking or crossing roads, remind kids about road safety rules.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear clothing that covers arms and legs when planning to be outside for long periods. Also, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing on hot days.
- Stay Hydrated: Ensure everyone drinks plenty of water to prevent dehydration, especially during hot weather.
- Protect Against Insects: Use insect repellents that are safe for kids to protect against bug bites.
- Check Play Areas: Before kids start playing, check the area for any potential hazards like sharp objects or unstable structures.
- Be Mindful of Weather Conditions: Check the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities. Avoid going outside during extreme weather conditions and remember to always apply sunscreen.
- Keep Young Children Close: Ensure an adult is always watching younger children to keep them from wandering off or getting into dangerous situations.
- Shield from the Sun: Avoid the sun's strongest rays by going outside at dawn or in the late afternoon. If you can, find comfort under some shade, which will give you a break from the sun.
Encouraging Outside Play
The most important thing that parents can do to encourage their kids to spend more time playing outside is to set a good example themselves. The best way for parents to demonstrate to their kids how much fun it is to be physically active outside is by planning regular outings with their family, such as bike rides, hikes, or park visits. When kids see their parents laughing and having a good time outside, it will inspire them to do the same. In addition, parents can lend a helping hand by limiting the amount of time their children spend using electronic devices and encouraging them, instead, to explore the world around them by going outside. If you want your child's time spent playing outside to be more exciting, it is important that you choose activities that your child enjoys doing. Having fun together as a family, while also improving everyone's overall health, is a fantastic way to spend quality time together and a great way to spend time outside.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, National Play Outside Day is more than just a day of fun—it's an opportunity to foster healthier habits, boost mental wellbeing, and strengthen family bonds. By stepping away from our screens and embracing the outdoors, we can improve our physical health, stimulate creativity, and foster important social skills. Plus, the great outdoors can be a thrilling classroom for children and adults alike. So, go ahead and mark your calendars for the first Saturday of each month and make outdoor play a tradition. Remember to prioritize safety and stay hydrated while you're out having fun. Let's celebrate National Play Outside Day and reap the many benefits of playing outdoors!
Broward Health, providing service for more than 85 years, is a nationally recognized system in South Florida that offers world-class healthcare to all. The Broward Health system includes the statutory teaching hospital Broward Health Medical Center, Broward Health North, Broward Health Imperial Point, Broward Health Coral Springs, Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital, Broward Health Weston, Broward HealthPoint, Broward Health Physician Group, Broward Health Urgent Care, Broward Health International, and Broward Health Foundation. For more information, visit BrowardHealth.org.