Summer Outdoor Play Helps Build Kids’ Brains

Many adults have fond memories of summer days and evenings spent outside, playing games in their neighborhood and having adventures. Beyond being a great way for kids to make core memories, outdoor play has obvious benefits, including getting fresh air, spending time away from screens, increasing blood flow, improving sleep and strengthening muscles and bones.

Important brain-building skills develop through outdoor play too, including problem-solving, creativity, assessing risks and managing fears. This helps your child build resilience and increase executive functioning, contributing to mental wellness.

Dr. Pooja Tandon, pediatrician and co-lead of the Move and Thrive Lab, studies how outdoor play and physical activity impact child health and development. Healthy Tides asked Dr. Tandon to share tips to help parents and caregivers increase outdoor play time for their child.

How to Make Outdoor Play a Priority

Life is busy, and oftentimes, activities that aren’t scheduled don’t happen. Add regular outdoor play time to your calendar.

Share the load with other trusted adults. Neighbors can work together to host outdoor play in a nearby park or their yard. Connect with a few parents of your child’s schoolmates and take turns hosting playdates on the school playground over the summer. Do you have extended family members or friends who are willing to help with your kids? Take them up on their offer and ask them to take your child on an outdoor adventure.

Involve your child in the planning. Let them pick a new park, playground or beach to visit. Consider letting them invite a friend. Have them help you pack ahead of the outing.

"Outdoor play doesn't have to be elaborate or expensive to benefit children. When kids have a voice in choosing where they go and what they do outside, they're often more engaged, more active, and more likely to develop confidence and independence," said Dr. Tandon.

Tips for Outdoor Play Success

It’s best to let your child lead, rather than dictate their play. When it’s safe to do so, give them time to solve problems when they run into obstacles.

Here are examples of prompts you can use to get your child engaged and then turn them loose safely.

• “I wonder what you could create with all of those pinecones?”
• “What part of the park do you want to explore first?”
• “You are the expedition leader today. Show me where we are going and tell me when we need to stop and explore.”
• “Do you see someone on the beach that you want to invite to play with you?”
• “Let’s check the weather forecast and you can decide if you need to bring your rain jacket.”
• “What can you build in the backyard with this collection of boxes?”

“As children explore, create, negotiate, and work through challenges outdoors, they are building important skills like problem-solving, resilience, and self-regulation that support lifelong health and well-being," explained Dr. Tandon.

Remember the Basics

Make the most of your time with preparation and clear expectations.

• Set expectations ahead of time – how long do you have, are there boundaries you want your child to stay within, any reminders about behavior or rules to follow?
• Dress for the activity – keep the new back-to-school clothes for another day.
• Bring sunscreen, water and a snack. Consider insect repepellent depending on where you’re going.
• If your play is near water, stay in touching distance of young kids and use other drowning prevention tips, including wearing properly-fit life jackets.
• Give a warning before it’s time to leave so your child can wrap up what they’re doing.
• Notice, name and praise good behavior. Positive reinforcement is encouraging!

Summer break comes with a loss of recess, PE class, and for some kids, the walk to and from school. Grade-school children and teens need at least 60 minutes of exercise each day, so losing that built-in movement during summer break leaves a deficit. Aim to fill the gap with outdoor play and enjoy the memory making!

Resources

• 35 Ways to Move Your Body This Summer
• Exercise and Children
• Digging Into Nature