Six reasons to play outside this winter

Posted on 4 June, 2015

Canberra has had some pretty chilly nights of late and even took the cake as the coldest place in Australia just a few weeks ago (and it wasn’t even winter then). While the rest of the country shivers in horror at minus 5 degrees, growing up in Canberra with its four beautiful seasons is child’s play.

So rather than keep the kids rugged up inside with the heater blasting, here are six reasons to don the gloves, scarves and beanies, and embrace outdoor play this winter.

Breathe the crisp fresh air

Winter doesn’t cause colds and flu – germs do! Get outside and away from closed homes and classrooms with heating vents that circulate dust and germs. Winter is a great time to be outdoors.

There are mud puddles that beckon; raindrops on cobwebs and hours of fun in creating dams and rivers in the sandpit.

Get dirty and build up the immune system

Early exposure to microbes is good for the immune system. There’s a growing body of research that says being overprotective when it comes to exposing children to dirt, germs and other nasties can lead to them having a greater chance of developing asthma, allergies and other autoimmune diseases.

So it’s time to get outside and make some mud pies!

A good dose of Vitamin D

It might look cold outside, but chances are that winter sunshine will warm you up in no time. Besides children need Vitamin D for bone growth and muscle health.

Not to mention that sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D as you get 80 per cent of daily intake from exposure to the sun.

Nature play is good for the body and soul

Research strongly supports the connection between healthy child development and time spent in nature. Children who regularly spend time outdoors in natural settings have reduced risks of some chronic diseases, lower stress levels, increased emotional wellbeing, a greater ability to concentrate and learn, and improved fitness levels.

Head outdoors with the kids and back in touch with nature.

The garden is a resource that encourages scientific exploration

The winter garden offers up a range of new adventures. Children are introduced to the science of displacement and buoyancy as they explore what floats and what sinks.

They ponder the mysteries of biology as plants become dormant and they get to experience new textures, sensations and challenges such as pulling a gumboot out of a muddy puddle.

Nature play stimulates creative thinking

Nature caters to all tastes – for the artists there are plenty of sticks to draw with; for the builder there are great materials to construct the most ambitious of cubbies; for the chef there are a twigs, flowers and sticks for decorating mudpies; and for the biologist there are all sorts of insects that come out in the wet weather.

When it comes to outside play the important thing to remember is there is no bad weather only bad clothing!

Photos: Courtesy of Orana Steiner School in Weston Creek, Canberra.