Why outdoor play matters more than you think
From stronger bodies to better eyesight and braver kids, here's what time outside actually does for children, and how to get more of it.
Most of us remember childhood holidays as long days outside: climbing, building, getting sandy and sunburnt and coming home only when someone called us in for dinner. For a lot of kids today, that's become the exception rather than the rule.
That matters, because outdoor play isn't just a nice extra. It does real work for children's bodies, brains and confidence.
It builds stronger, more coordinated bodies
Running on uneven ground, scrambling over rocks and balancing on logs builds strength, coordination and balance in ways a flat indoor floor can't. Australia's physical activity guidelines recommend children aged 5 to 17 get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity every day. Outdoors, kids often clock that up without even noticing.
It's good for their eyes
This one surprises many parents. Research consistently links more time outdoors in daylight with a lower risk of short-sightedness (myopia) in children. Natural light and looking into the distance both seem to help, which is a handy reason to swap an afternoon of screens for an afternoon at the beach.
A little risk builds a lot of confidence
Climbing a bit higher than last time, jumping off a rock into the water, working out how to cross a creek: this kind of "risky play" helps children learn to judge risk, manage fear and bounce back from small knocks. Kids who get to test their limits in safe settings tend to become more resilient and self-reliant.
It's calming
Time in green and blue spaces, parks, bush and beaches, is linked with lower stress and better mood in children, much as it is for adults. Kids who've had a big day outside also tend to sleep better, which every parent can appreciate.
It brings out creativity
A stick can be a sword, a fishing rod or a magic wand. Unstructured outdoor play gives kids room to invent their own games and rules, which builds imagination, problem-solving and the ability to negotiate with other kids.
Making it happen these holidays
- Plan at least one outdoor activity every day, even if it's just a walk to the rock pool.
- Mix free play with structured outdoor programs like surf lessons, bush skills or sport camps.
- Go with friends. Kids stay outside longer, and play harder, when their mates are there too.
On the Northern Beaches we're spoilt for choice, between the beaches, bushland and lakes right on our doorstep.
Find outdoor holiday activities near you on ParentPal, and see which friends are going.
