First, let’s investigate the general benefits of outdoor play. Beneath it, I’ll highlight research focusing on Physical Challenges, Risky Play, and Science & Other Education.

• The physical benefits of spending time in green spaces are highlighted in this study.

• A rich resource from the National Wildlife Federation details tons of benefits to being outdoors, as well as the risks of spending childhood indoors. It includes many excellent recommendations.

• This one is really freeing - it's a whole compilation regarding DIRT and how it's so beneficial for our kids! 

• The necessity of early childhood environmental education is discussed in this article by the University of Florida and is specific to early child education and learning - which is so perfect for our purposes!

Below are links to three specific types of benefits outdoor play offers:

PHYSICAL CHALLENGES

• This is one of my favorite things to discuss: Sensory Benefits of Heavy Work Activities. Any type of “heavy work” (lifting, hanging, pushing, pulling climbing…among others) activates a child’s proprioceptive sense and helps them to build bodily awareness (and strength, obviously). It’s also extremely useful in calming and regulating children’s nervous systems.

RISKY PLAY

• One popular study of risky play makes clear that risky play for our children results in better risk-management skills and lower risk of injury as adults, among many other benefits.

• Lists of the physical, emotional, and social benefits of risk-taking in early childhood.

SCIENCE & OTHER EDUCATION

• The Benefits of Environmental Education and Nature Connections in Early Childhood reinforces the cognitive, behavioral, and academic benefits of providing young children with outdoor education. It also describes how this type of education lays the foundation for adults who are environmentally aware.