Outdoor play helps children grow in all kinds of ways. It supports physical health, brain development, emotional resilience and social skills while giving them space to explore and connect with the world around them.
Whether crawling on soft grass or building a cubby with sticks, outdoor experiences awaken the senses and support learning in ways that indoor environments cannot match.
This article explores the importance of outdoor play in early childhood, outlining practical ways to support outdoor time across different ages and weather conditions.
Exploring the Multifaceted Benefits of Outdoor Play
Physical Development: Building Strong Bodies and Minds
Outdoor play provides varied opportunities for children to move their bodies, practice new skills and engage with the natural environment. The variety of elements they’re exposed to also helps their immune system become stronger, making them better prepared should they be exposed to common sickness (Frei, Heye & Roduit, 2022).
A well-designed outdoor space encourages development across multiple areas:
- Gross motor skill development through running, jumping and climbing
- Fine motor skill improvement by handling natural materials like leaves, sand and sticks
- Cardiovascular stamina and healthy bone building through movement
- Sensory engagement through textures, sounds and smells in the environment
- Immune system support through exposure to diverse outdoor microbes
Cognitive Growth and Problem-Solving Skills
Playing outdoors presents daily opportunities for children to explore, investigate and practice new skills. These moments encourage curiosity and support the development of children’s cognitive thinking.
Unstructured outdoor play allows children to make decisions, test ideas and solve problems in real time.
Outdoor play supports:
- Imaginative play that fosters creativity
- Curiosity and discovery through activities like scavenger hunts and nature walks
- Problem solving and risk assessment by navigating uneven ground
- Early STEM thinking through observing nature, exploring cause and effect, and experimenting with water or sand
Emotional Well-being and Social Connections
Mental health in early childhood can be supported through regular access to outdoor environments. In early learning settings, natural spaces such as gardens, sandpits and quiet grassy areas offer calming, open-ended places for children to play.
Nature also has a soothing effect that helps reduce stress and supports emotional development, allowing children to feel more relaxed, secure and ready to engage. At the same time, spending time in outdoor spaces encourages social development by creating opportunities for shared play with other children.
Whether children play games, or work through small disagreements, they learn to form friendships and navigate social situations. Key benefits of outdoor play for mental health and social development include:
- Reducing stress and lifting mood thanks to nature’s calming influence
- Learning skills to cooperate, negotiate, and resolve conflicts
- Fostering independence with an improved sense of self-confidence, self-esteem, and accomplishment
- Enhanced emotional regulation and self-awareness
Environmental Awareness and Connection to Nature
Young children who play outdoors regularly are more likely to develop a deep appreciation for nature, forming a lasting connection to the natural environment as they grow (Johnstone et al., 2022).
Spending time in a rich and varied outdoor environment exposes them to changing seasons, native plants, animals and weather patterns. These moments help children learn how ecosystems work, how to care for living things and how their choices can impact the world around them.
In addition to cognitive growth, these experiences contribute to emotional development, encouraging empathy, reflection and a sense of personal responsibility. The benefits of outdoor play in this context support lasting values that influence how children think, feel and act toward their surroundings.
Outdoor Play for Every Stage of Early Childhood
Babies (0-12 Months): Early Sensory Explorations Outdoors
Even young children benefit from outdoor time. With supervision, babies can engage with outdoor environments in simple ways that activate all the senses.
Outdoor play supports:
- Sensory development through tummy time on grass, blankets or soft natural surfaces
- Visual and auditory tracking through observing clouds, leaves and listening to birds
- Body regulation through exposure to fresh air and changes in light and temperature
Toddlers (1-3 Years): Developing Autonomy and Curiosity
Toddlers are naturally active and curious. Outdoor play offers a safe space to practice walking, exploring and interacting with their environment. This supports:
- Gross motor skill development through walking, climbing and learning to ride bikes
- Early understanding of weather conditions through sun, wind and light rain
- Simple outdoor activities like water play and sandbox exploration
- Connection with the outdoor space through nature walks and collecting leaves
Preschoolers & Early Years (3-5+ Years): Social Play and Imaginative Adventures
Older children engage in more complex play and enjoy games that require collaboration, creativity and decision-making, such as:
- Imaginative games like shopkeeper or explorer, supporting planning and communication
- Group play such as hide and seek, building flexible thinking
- Physical development through exploring uneven ground and grassy slopes
The Importance of Outdoor Play in All Weather Conditions
Sunny Days and Warm Weather Play
In Queensland, warm weather encourages outdoor play, but sun safety must come first. Daily outdoor time supports healthy bone growth by helping the body absorb vitamin D from sunlight (Fyfe-Johnson et al., 2021). With the right measures in place, children can enjoy safe outdoor play while building healthy habits around sun safety.
To reduce the risk of skin damage, services and families are encouraged to follow advice from the national SunSmart Early Childhood Program. This includes providing shade, applying broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing sun-safe clothing and hats, and scheduling outdoor activities outside peak UV periods (Cancer Council Australia, 2024).
Ways to support warm weather outdoor play:
- Play games in shaded areas during the morning or late afternoon
- Set up calm, sun-safe outdoor activities like drawing or pretend play
- Include water-based sensory play to stay cool and explore textures
- Practice sun protection routines like sunscreen and hats every day
Winter Wonderland: The Unique Joys and Benefits of Cold Weather Play
Cooler weather brings a different pace to outdoor play, but it still offers rich opportunities for exploration, movement and learning. With warm clothing and thoughtful planning, children can continue spending time outdoors comfortably and safely throughout the winter months.
Engaging in seasonal experiences like the ones below helps children build resilience and adapt to changing conditions:
- Going on winter nature walks to observe seasonal changes in plants and animals
- Jumping in puddles and exploring damp surfaces, building sensory awareness and body control
- Looking for animal prints in mud or on frosty ground, encouraging curiosity and observation
- Watching frost form on leaves or play equipment, sparking conversations about temperature and weather
Rainy Day Adventures: Splashing into Learning
Rainy days offer unique outdoor learning opportunities that activate curiosity, creativity and the senses. With waterproof gear and safe supervision, children can explore the natural environment in new ways. Engaging in rainy day adventures encourages sensory play and adaptability through activities such as:
- Splashing in puddles to build balance and coordination
- Making mud pies or using a mud kitchen for imaginative play
- Watching rainfall to stimulate curiosity and focus
- Navigating wet surfaces to build confidence
Niche Benefits and Practical Considerations
Benefits of Outdoor Naps and Rest
In some early learning services, children have the opportunity to rest outdoors during the day. When supported by safe supervision and suitable weather conditions, sleeping outside in a protected outdoor environment can offer unique developmental benefits.
Research has linked outdoor rest with improved sleep quality, deeper relaxation, and better regulation of body temperature through exposure to fresh air and natural rhythms (Fyfe-Johnson et al., 2021).
For services that offer this option, outdoor sleep spaces must follow local regulations and centre-specific policies, including appropriate shade, regular temperature checks, and direct supervision.
If you’re considering outdoor rest for your child, here are some important factors to keep in mind:
- Choose a shaded, secure spot away from direct sun, wind and insects
- Dress your child in breathable, weather-appropriate clothing and check their comfort regularly
- Use a clean, firm surface with light bedding suited to outdoor conditions
- Stay within sight and sound of your child at all times
The Role of Supervised Risk-Taking in Outdoor Play
Outdoor play gives children the chance to face small, manageable risks. These challenges help build confidence, support physical development and allow children to practice new skills in real-world settings.
With supervision and positive reinforcement, risk-taking becomes a valuable part of how children learn to move, think and interact (Beaulieu & Beno, 2024).
Tips for Parents and Educators
Parents can help encourage outdoor play by integrating it into their child’s daily routine, making it a consistent and enjoyable part of their everyday life. You can support outdoor play by:
- Creating an outdoor space that invites exploration
- Making time each day for unstructured outdoor play
- Joining in! Children learn by observing adults who value and enjoy outdoor time
- Balance safety and independence by setting clear boundaries and encouraging decision-making
Conclusion: Making Outdoor Play a Non-Negotiable Priority
Outdoor play supports every area of a child’s development. From movement and problem-solving to social interaction and emotional well-being, it provides real-world learning experiences that nurture the whole child. Prioritise outdoor play every day and lay the foundation for a strong, confident, connected child.
References
- Frei, R., Heye, K., & Roduit, C. (2022). Environmental influences on childhood allergies and asthma — The Farm effect. Pediatric Allergy and Immunology, 33(6), e13807. https://doi.org/10.1111/pai.13807
- Johnstone, A., Martin, A., Cordovil, R., Fjørtoft, I., Iivonen, S., Jidovtseff, B., Lopes, F., & Vasconcelos, O. (2022). Nature-based early childhood education and children’s social, emotional and cognitive development: A mixed-methods systematic review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(10), 5967. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19105967mdpi.com
- Fyfe-Johnson, A. L., et al. (2021). Nature and children’s health: A systematic review. Pediatrics, 148(4), e2020049155. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-049155
- Cancer Council Australia. (2024). Be SunSmart. https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/causes-and-prevention/sun-safety/be-sunsmart
- Fyfe-Johnson, A. L., Hazlehurst, M. F., Perrins, S. P., Bratman, G. N., Thomas, R., Garrett, K. A., Hafferty, K. R., Cullaz, T. M., Marcuse, E. K., & Tandon, P. S. (2021). Nature and children’s health: A systematic review. Pediatrics, 148(4), e2020049155. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2020-049155
- Beaulieu, E., & Beno, S. (2024). Healthy childhood development through outdoor risky play: Navigating the balance with injury prevention. Paediatrics & Child Health, 29(4), 255–261. https://doi.org/10.1093/pch/pxae016
