Outdoor play areas at our new children's hospital

Children who spend more time outdoors playing are less likely to develop weight-related health issues because they are able to engage in active play. Children should have at least an hour of active play a day, and outdoor spaces are the perfect environment to naturally encourage this.  

Running, skipping, jumping, and climbing all help little bodies grow stronger muscles, and build up their endurance. Plus, establishing this positive relationship with physical activity in a child’s early years sets them up for a healthy attitude towards maintaining an active lifestyle into adulthood.

Many outdoor activities naturally help young children develop essential motor skills like coordination, agility, balance, and dexterity. Children and young people who are encouraged to explore outdoor environments will put their abilities to the test and constantly develop new skills through trial and error.

Vitamin D aids in immune system development, strong bone and muscle growth, and even allows our bodies to heal more efficiently.  It has also proven to play a big role in helping us establish healthy sleep cycles and mood stabilization. Our bodies require regular sun exposure to produce Vitamin D, and children who play outside produce ample amounts of it.

Spending more time outside playing can also have many positive effects on young children’s emotional development and build their confidence.

Engaging in outdoor play introduces children to new situations and encourages them to take positive risks and try new things at their own pace. By being presented with opportunities to try something new, children independently test their own abilities and learn new skills. This allows them to develop stronger self-awareness and a sense of independence as they grow more confident in their capabilities.

Outdoor play helps children create positive memories and deeper connections to the environment at a young age. These fun childhood experiences tend to promote an appreciation for natural spaces and the environment as a whole.

Children will naturally engage all five of their senses while playing outside, which strengthens their ability to process sensory stimulation. For toddlers, outdoor play can help them build familiarity with a variety of sensory experiences, and promotes more positive responses to them.

Children love to invent their own games and act out pretend situations while exploring the world around them. An outdoor environment presents endless opportunities for children and young people to use their imaginations and grow creatively.

Public outdoor spaces introduce little ones to new friends that are oftentimes different from them. This can help children and young people feel more comfortable entering situations where they are required to collaborate with new people and practice skills that will be useful well into their adult lives.