Encouraging Outdoor Play: Growing Stronger, Smarter, and Closer in God's World
Screens are sticky, indoor comforts are cozy, and let’s face it—convincing your kids to choose the backyard over the basement can feel like a losing battle.
But here’s the good news: you can help your kids fall in love with the outdoors again. It’s not just good for their lungs and legs; it’s essential for their immune system, emotional health, spiritual formation, and, yes, even their learning. That’s what we unpacked in a recent Celebrate Kids podcast, and we’re bringing the highlights to you today.
Let’s take a look at why outdoor play isn’t just “extra.” It’s vital.
Why Outdoor Play Matters (More Than Ever)
Research from Finland shows kids who play in green spaces, even at daycare centers with more trees and soil show measurable increases in immune strength within just four weeks. Why? Because nature engages their whole bodies, not just their minds.
But that’s just the start. Outdoor play helps children:
Regulate stress and reduce anxiety
Practice social interaction and problem-solving
Discover wonder and curiosity in creation
Grow in independence and confidence
Feel connected to something bigger: God's creation
And here's the kicker: kids who play outside regularly are more likely to thrive in every area—mentally, emotionally, physically, socially, and spiritually.
Helping Your Child Say “Yes” to the Outdoors, No Matter How They Think
Your child may not respond to a generic “Go outside and play!” But if you meet them where they’re at and understand how they learn, process, and relate, they’re far more likely to get excited about nature.
Word Smart: Encourage storytelling or poetry about what they see in nature. Try “Write a journal entry from the perspective of a squirrel.”
Logic Smart: Spark curiosity with puzzles: “Why do pinecones open and close?” “Can you measure how far you can jump?”
Picture Smart: Have them draw what they see, build a nature collage, or photograph close-ups of leaves and insects.
Music Smart: Listen for bird calls or invent songs inspired by the outdoors. Rhythm sticks, leaf rustles, and stone tapping can be part of a nature symphony.
Body Smart: Climb, hike, bike, run, dig! Let their body explore God’s design through movement.
Nature Smart: Identify plants, collect rocks, or compare tree bark textures. This is their jam—just open the door.
People Smart: Invite friends for a neighborhood adventure or organize a backyard game with siblings.
Self Smart: Give them time alone in nature to think, reflect, or journal. A tree swing or quiet bench can be a safe thinking spot.
3 Simple Ways to Start Today
Model it: Let your kids see you enjoying time outdoors. Even a short walk after dinner or pulling weeds together counts.
Schedule it: Build outdoor time into your daily rhythm—after school, before dinner, or first thing Saturday morning.
Name it: Give outdoor time a purpose or tradition. “Tuesday Trails” or “Sunset Watch” makes it something to anticipate, not avoid.
Outdoor play is more than movement. It’s soul food. It’s where your kids learn grit, grace, and gratitude. It’s where their smarts are stirred, and their identity in God is strengthened.
So this week, grab their hand, their heart, or their curiosity—and lead them outside. Because the whole world is whispering, “Come play!”
And we promise: it’s more than worth it.