The Benefits of Outdoor Play for Children

According to a National Trust survey, children today spend half the time that their parents did playing outdoors. And three quarters of children spend less time outdoors than prisoners!

It’s not just that kids today are missing out on a kind of Enid Blyton childhood of climbing trees, exploring and having adventures; a life spent indoors is having a significant impact on children’s health and wellbeing.

Around 4% of children leave primary school severely obese and half are overweight. It doesn’t take an expert to tell you that if children swap rounders in the park for PlayStation, it’s going to have an impact on their health.

But maintaining a healthy weight is just one of the many benefits of outdoor play. Whether it’s climbing up a slide or searching for bugs, when children play outdoors they use different muscles, problem solve, learn about the world around them and develop their imagination. On the other hand, children that spend their lives indoors are more prone to aggression, stress and anxiety.

Playing outdoors also helps ensure that children get enough Vitamin D – a nutrient that is vital for the development of healthy bones and teeth. Granted, sunlight is in short supply here in the UK, but even being outdoors for a few hours a week can have a significant impact.

Of course, weather is one of the things that stops children in the UK from playing outdoors. There’s not much we can do about the rain, but one thing that can be prevented is mud. An artificial lawn or play area can be used all year round. Unlike natural turf, it doesn’t turn to mud with the first downpour, meaning children are less likely to skid and fall over. And for parents tired of trying to get grass and mud stains from their children’s clothes, artificial grass is a godsend!

To discuss the best artificial grass for an outdoor play area, give us a call on: 0208 449 8413