In fact, this kind of weather can fire up your child’s imagination and creativity. You and your child can play outside even in cold or wet weather. building and creating with equipment, furniture or other things they find outside.Your school-age child is becoming more involved in structured play like sport, but it’s still important to make time for free play outside. building a cubbyhouse out of boxes, clothes baskets or outdoor play equipment or furniture.looking for birds, insects and new plants, and trying to name them.going on a nature walk together and naming all of the different sounds you hear.making mud pies with dirt and old cooking utensils.moving in different ways with colourful leaves, flowers, scarves or streamers.crawling through tunnels or climbing over fallen trees.playing games of chasey, hide-and-seek or kick-to-kick.You can help your child make the most of this stage with outdoor play ideas like: Preschoolers are learning to play with other children. playing in sand, mud or small amounts of water – but always supervise water play to prevent drowning accidents.blowing bubbles and chasing them as they float away.walking, running or jumping around trees, over stones or cracks in the footpath, into puddles or towards favourite objects.wheeling, pushing or pulling different toys and objects.Outdoor play for your toddler might include: Toddlers are keen to explore the world around them and test out their growing physical skills. looking at different coloured cars, street signs or traffic light signals.watching tree leaves and branches move and listening to birds.crawling on grass, under outdoor furniture or through old boxes.enjoying tummy time on a blanket, towel or picnic rug.Some ideas for outdoor play with your baby include: Outdoor play helps babies learn about different surroundings and feel more comfortable with the world around them. Other outdoor, active transport activities include riding bikes or scooters.Īs your child gets older, you could encourage them to try a structured outdoor activity like junior sport.

Walking together shows that you value and enjoy outdoor activity too. Even younger children can get out of the stroller and walk for a little while. If you can walk to the park, you can also teach your child about road and pedestrian safety on the way. Your child will probably have even more room to run around there and might meet other children to play with. Making time to visit your local park, oval or playground is a low-cost and easy option, especially if you don’t have a yard. This means that outdoor play can include working with your child on everyday tasks like weeding, sweeping the driveway, watering vegetables or hanging clothes on the line. Just remember that when younger children are playing outside, they need your help to stay safe around outdoor hazards. Sometimes, all you need to do is send your child out the door and let them come up with their own games. If you have an outdoor space at home, that’s great. It’s a good idea to encourage your child to play outside several times a day. Getting your child into outdoor play: ideas This means outdoor play can be good for your child’s mental health and wellbeing too. Playing outside and being in natural environments can also help children relax and feel calm.

Also, some safe play in the sun can be good too – small amounts of sunlight exposure can help boost vitamin D levels. Spending time outdoors might lower your child’s chances of developing short-sightedness. Physical activities like these are good for your child’s fitness and physical development. When your child is outside, they probably have more space and freedom for big movements like running, jumping, kicking and throwing.

Outdoor play can also mean more mess – and more mess often means more fun! Your child can play games, test their physical limits, express themselves and build their self-confidence. Playing outside gives your child the chance to explore the natural environment and have adventures.

Garden story play time