Why Spending Time Outside Is Good for Kids

Here's an alarming statistic: the average eight to eighteen year old kid is now spending an alarming 7 hours and 38 minutes of electronic screen time per day, per the Kaiser Foundation. In fact, a 2018 survey reported that American children spend 35% less time playing outside freely than their parents did – and that was before the post pandemic boom of short-form video content apps, which can be addictive for children and adults alike.  

When the weather’s nice (and even when it’s not-so-nice), getting outside with your little ones might be just what everyone needs. Running through the grass, digging in the dirt or just soaking in some sunshine ... outdoor time is good for your kiddo’s body, brain and budding sense of the world! Let’s take a closer look at how spending time outdoors supports healthy development for your littles, plus how it can help raise a generation that’s kinder to the planet.

Whether it's some good old-fashioned playtime in the backyard or a trip to your nearest park, spending time outside provides incredible benefits for your child’s development. Here’s how regular outdoor time helps little ones grow stronger, more confident and more connected to the world around them. 

The more time kids spend outside, the more likely they are to form an emotional bond with nature, and that connection can stick with them for their lifetime. According to research from the University of British Columbia, children who regularly engage with the natural world are more likely to grow up caring about the environment and taking steps to protect it.

That might look like curiosity about bugs and birds, a passion for gardening or composting or even a future career in conservation. Whatever shape it takes, it starts with the simple act of playing outside.

Let’s face it: little ones love to move. And outside? There’s way more room to do just that. Outdoor play encourages all kinds of gross motor movements that build coordination, strength and confidence.

Playgrounds, grassy fields and trails give kids the kind of freedom they don’t always have indoors – and that can make a big difference in how their motor skills develop over time. Even just walking on uneven ground helps strengthen those growing muscles and joints!

Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, which is essential for a child’s growing body. This important nutrient helps the body absorb calcium for strong bones and also supports immune health and mood regulation.

Of course, it’s still important to take sun safety seriously – think wide-brimmed hats, protective clothing and safe sun exposure. But a little time outdoors each day can go a long way in supporting your kiddo’s development, all while giving them the chance to explore and play.

When kiddos play outside, they often find opportunities to test their limits – like climbing a little higher, jumping a little farther or figuring out how to balance on a log. These types of “safe risks” are key to developing confidence, decision-making skills and resilience.

Instead of shielding little ones from every challenge, outdoor play lets them try new things in a space where the stakes are low and the learning is big. As caregivers, we can support this by offering encouragement, staying nearby and trusting our littles to explore at their own pace.

There’s no magic number when it comes to time outside, but experts like the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Center for Disease Control agree that aiming for about 30-60 minutes a day is a great goal. If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry! It doesn’t need to happen all at once – short bursts of time outside throughout the day can add up quickly and before you know it you and your little one have met your goal.

Keep in mind that some days will be more active than others, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to be perfect, it’s about giving your kiddo regular opportunities to explore, move their body and breathe in fresh air. You’ve got enough on your plate, so even a quick walk around the block counts! 

Don’t have your own outdoor space? No problem. There are still plenty of easy, affordable ways to get your little outside more. Here are some ideas: 

• Take a walk to a local park or nature trail. Even a simple stroll around the neighborhood is great!
• Visit a botanical garden or nature preserve. You can engage your kiddo with plant-spotting and quiet exploration.
• Set up a nature scavenger hunt or sensory walk. Make a list of things to find (like leaves, rocks, insects or whatever else might interest your little). Just make sure they know to leave what they find in nature.
• Look for free community outdoor events. Your local library might have an outdoor story time, or you might find kid-focused yoga or nature-based play groups in your area.
• Try container gardening. Even just a windowsill plant can be an opportunity to let them lend a (little) hand. 

Sometimes it’s less about where you go and more about how you engage. Turning any outing – even a grocery trip – into a mini adventure is a great way to help kids see the world with curiosity and wonder. 

Playing outside offers your kiddos a chance for littles to learn, grow and connect with the world around them (and burn off some energy in the process, too!). It lays the groundwork for healthier habits and a lifelong appreciation for nature.

Looking for more ways to embrace everyday outdoor adventures with your kiddo? Check out these rainy day activities for kids for playful ideas even when the sun isn’t shining.