Young children do best when they have many opportunities to participate in physical activities throughout the day. A variety of play and movement activities will help children develop gross motor skills, balance, coordination, and social skills. Children also gain health benefits such as proper bone development, a healthy heart, strong muscles, improved flexibility, and achievement of a healthy weight. However, in the winter months participating in outdoor play may be less favorable than staying indoors where it is warm and cozy. On the contrary, it is important for young children to participate in outdoor play throughout the year, even

 in the winter months, for four key reasons.

First, playing outside is good for children’s bodies. Physical health is one of the best reasons to play outside. Outdoor play helps to develop children’s immune system.

Second, playing outside is good for children’s behavior. Time spent in outdoor activities helps improve the behavior of children with attention and hyperactivity disorders. The chance to run, jump, and burn off excess energy usually improves the indoor behavior of almost any young person.

Third, playing outside is good for children’s brains. Outdoor time, especially in green settings like parks and playgrounds, helps concentration and focus in the classroom. Creative outdoor play, such as building a fort or treehouse, also helps kids develop active imaginations and problem-solving skills.

Fourth, playing outside is good for child and adult connections. Any outdoor activity from vigorous games to quiet bird watching is a good way for multiple generations to spend time making memories together.

Playing Safely

When participating in outdoor activities during the winter months, always begin with safety in mind. Keep these basic tips in mind to ensure playing is a safe time:

·         Ensure children are dressed properly. Cover your child’s head with a hat, maybe earmuffs. A lot of body heat gets lost through an uncovered head. A hood can interfere with moving and seeing.

·         Dress your child in layers for warmth. Be sure that he/she can move easily for fun and safety.

·         Tie a scarf over your child’s nose and mouth to warm air that’s breathed in. Tuck the scarf inside the coat so it won’t get caught in play equipment and choke your child.

·         Remember mittens or gloves and boots!

·         Use safe play equipment. Check the safety and conditions of sleds and other equipment.

·         Protect your child’s skin with sunscreen-even in cold weather.

·         Bring water if your family is outside longer than an hour. When you are physically active, you sweat-even in winter.

·         Always move. In cold temperatures, adults and children should constantly move and avoid standing still. Reason being, standing still in cold temperatures can lead to frostbite and hypothermia; therefore, always move during cold temperatures.

·         Talk to your local or state regulatory agency. Each state has different rules and regulations as it relates to child care operations.