New Year. New Play. What’s your #PlayResolution?
January 25, 2017Spring into play!
February 28, 2017Time spent playing outside is imperative for children. Outdoor play doesn’t just give your children more room for physical activity–this article suggests that playing outside and in a natural setting helps your children develop stronger immune systems, have more active and creative imaginations, boost attention spans, reduce symptoms of ADHD and more. Play is important in many aspects.
IPEMA and the Voice of Play teamed up with a community of bloggers to help spread the message of #YearRoundPlay, encouraging kids and adults to participate in enjoyable outdoor activities no matter the season. The Voice of Play asked bloggers to share some of their fun ideas for when the temperature begins to fall. We learned that some kids like playing outside in the fall more than the summer months and some enjoy nature scavenger hunts. Others head to their community garden to plant seeds and wait for their very own harvest. These are only some of the activities that bloggers shared to encourage families to get outside and take advantage of all the benefits and fun you can have in the cooler weather.
Find more stories from our bloggers by searching #YearRoundPlay on social media and check out some excerpts on playing all year long!
“There is just nothing greater as a parent than getting to witness the moments where your child is visibly growing and learning. And for our family that so often happens outside. Even in the colder months, we do our best to bundle up and at least head out for a long walk. If you don’t have a daily outdoor routine with your kids I would highly recommend you add it into your day. Even if it’s just five minutes to play in the dirt outside your front door. You’ll be amazed what can come out of it!”
“I remember wanting to be outside all the time as a child. I never understood why adults wanted to stay inside in the winter or during the hotter days of summer. It’s interesting how kids seem less bothered by the differences in temperature. Living in the midwest we get both summer and winter in full force. We get lots of snow and ice in the winter, and we have plenty of 90+ degree days (complete with a LOT of humidity!) as well.
Now as an adult I prefer to stay inside, too. However, I love that kids have that natural desire to go outside despite the weather. I try to use it as a reminder to get myself outside too. It’s great to play outside no matter what time of year it is, at least for short bursts. I’ve found that when the kids ask me to go out and play in the snow, if I make myself get bundled up and go out I end up having a good time.”
“We have a large, fenced backyard in our current home so we let the kids get outside and play there regularly. We also head to the local playground, where they can enjoy the swings & slides and play with other children. We also encourage them to ride their bikes or scooters around the bike often, too. Regardless of our specific activities, just getting outside and playing is always so much fun for kids. Plus, it’s a great way to encourage an active lifestyle and promote exercise from an early age.”
How do you and your kids make time to play in the fall and winter? We hope you can take inspiration from these bloggers to incorporate #YearRoundPlay in your household!