play outside

GIFT GUIDE, HOLIDAYS, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Best Outdoor Toys for Boys & Girls
- November 22, 2022
We all know how good outdoor playtime is for kids. Running, jumping, swinging, throwing, and especially using their creativity and imagination are imperative for their physical and mental development. Outdoor toys can spark their imagination and get them excited to play. Also, we all want to get them off cell phones and cut back the screen time! Today, Lissy Perna, Cape Cod mom of two, is here sharing some of her kids’ favorite outdoor toys. So, whether you’re looking to build your backyard oasis or just for a birthday or Christmas gift for an outdoorsy kid, check out our list of the best outdoor toys for boys and girls.

Most popular outdoor toys for boys & girls

We all want what’s best for our kids, so we made a list of the most popular outdoor toys for boys and girls. These toys have been tried and trusted by kids of all ages and received high praise from parents and kids alike. Any of them would make a great gift for that outdoorsy kid on your list.

Dome Climber: This jungle gym for kids is dome-shaped and has the option of adding a swing to the center. Another great creative way to utilize this toy is to add a tarp over the top to make a tent! Add some twinkle lights and you’ve got an igloo young kids can play in during cold winter months. While it is a wonderful outdoor toy for kids to climb, be advised that it takes a few adults and some patience to assemble.

Swurfer: Think surfboard meets skateboard meets swing. The Swurfer is a plank-like board suspended from ropes you attach to a tree limb. There are handles to help you maneuver this swing while standing on the plank. It is fun, and compound movements benefit a child’s physical development. Would make a great gift for any kid into surfing, skateboarding, or snowboarding.

Kiddie Pool: A kiddie pool, whether you have an inflatable one or a hard plastic one, can be used for more than just backyard splashing and soaking. It’s a fun way to cool off on a hot day. Or, fill it with sand, and use it as a sandbox; take it to the beach and set it up under a pop-up tent for your toddlers. This multi-function outdoor toy is a must-have for any household with kids.

Slackers NinjaLine: This ninja slackline obstacle course is fantastic if you’re short on outdoor space, but your kids are not short on energy! Kids can test their ninja skills with ten obstacles, providing them with a tremendous athletic challenge. The equipment is easily set up between two healthy trees or posts, and they will be ninja warriors in no time!

Stomp Rockets: Do you remember these foam rockets from your childhood? They are still popular outdoor toys for boys and girls alike. Children can play with them on their own or create a competition to see who can blast their rocket the highest with a friend or sibling. One thing to mention is that it is best to play with this toy out in the open, not near trees or your house. Losing all your rockets to the treetops won’t be very fun!

Sandboxes: Sandboxes are fantastic outdoor toys for boys and girls of all ages and would make a great outdoor gift. Toddlers are happy to sit in the sand and scoop with their hands or little shovels, and older kids can get creative in what they make with the sand. The key to this toy is to purchase one with a cover. Or I have even seen parents set up a sandbox inside a small tent. This cover will prevent other debris from getting into the sand and deter animals from using it as a litter box.

Tonka Trucks: Your child might already be truck obsessed, but these near-indestructible vehicles are fun for all, even if they aren’t! Fill them with pinecones, dirt, or sticks, or have races with a sibling or friend. The metal construction and rugged design have made these toys last for years. We have a joke in our family that my boy’s Tonka trucks have 300,000 miles on them.

Walkie-Talkies: Walkie-Talkies are the perfect gift for outdoorsy kids and can be used by the entire family. Walkie talkies can be used inside or outside, but my boys have so much fun with them outdoors. They play hide-and-seek with them or pretend they are on “secret missions.” We brought ours on a camping trip last summer, and this outdoor toy became a functional tool for keeping track of each other on the campground. One thing to note about these toys is that you want to store them inside to avoid damage.

Trampolines: Trampolines come in all sizes nowadays and make a great addition to your backyard. Sizes range from miniature ones with a handle for toddlers to massive ones that even adults can enjoy. One thing they all have in common, they are a great way to burn some energy! The large ones take time and patience to assemble, so keep that in mind if you pull the trigger and purchase one.

Little Tikes slide: This slide is great for toddlers, but my boys used it well beyond their toddler years. They used it not only for climbing and sliding but for sliding into an inflatable pool and racing matchbox cars down the slope!

Power wheels: Motorized, rechargeable cars that kids can ride are so fun and make really fun outdoor gifts for outdoorsy kids! They are made for most ages, from toddlers to big kids, and have every design you could think of, from Barbie Jeeps to Land Rovers. Kids love being in control of a steering wheel and honking the horns! Be on the lookout for these on swap pages – you can usually get a second-hand car at a fraction of the price and just update the battery.

Splash pads: If you’ve ever been to a community splash pad, you know how fun they can be! You can buy smaller versions that connect to your garden hose, which are bound to impress your kids!

Balance bikes: Try a balance bike before your child is ready to take off on a two-wheel bicycle or even a big kid bike with training wheels! These bicycles are such fantastic outdoor toys and provide the child with the basic skills to build on to successfully ride a bike on their own. Also, They are often adjustable, so as your child grows, so does the bike! Remember to instill in your child that they should wear a snug-fitting helmet whenever they get on their bikes.

Bounce house: If you want to go all-out crazy with action, a bounce house is a HUGE hit for any outdoor play space. It’s a bit of an investment, but it’s guaranteed to be a big hit and keep your little ones jumping and happy for hours at a time. Many bounce houses can be used both indoors and outdoors, so if you have a large enough space inside, it can be used year-round.

Ride-on Dig Cranes: If you have kids like my two boys, they might be obsessed with big trucks, construction equipment, and having their own “job sites” at our house. These ride-on dig cranes turn your kids into operators and would make great holiday gifts. Your kids will have a blast digging in the dirt or sand for hours of outdoor fun. I’ve even seen parents bringing these mobile toys to the beach; what a fantastic idea!

Wagon: Don’t underestimate a solid wagon for outdoor play! You can give your kids rides around the yard, and as they grow older and more robust, they can give each other rides. They are also helpful for parades, trick-or-treating, or walks around the neighborhood!

Water Tables: What is more fun than water play on a hot summer day? A water table is easy to contain and an attractive toy for kids to play outside. Just fill it with water from the hose and let your kids loose with their imagination. My boys have even used their water table in the winter once the water freezes!

Yard games for boys and girls

Card and board games are great options for playing in your living room, but what about the outdoors? Here are a few options to get your kids outdoors and excited about playing together!

Cornhole: Cornhole is a fun outdoor game that people of all ages can enjoy. It’s popular to play on the beach and at barbeques with friends. Children’s versions are collapsible and easy for kids to set up. This outdoor toy is an interactive competitive game that allows your child to participate in healthy competition, all while practicing and improving their coordination and throwing skills.

Oversized Jenga: Jenga is a relatively easy game to teach young children, and most people enjoy it even as they get older. These giant wooden blocks make the game even more fun, and you don’t have to worry about knocking your furniture around or denting your floors when you play outside!

Lasso golf: This game is played in teams to score 21 points first! It promotes competition and accuracy and is easy to set up and break down to store.

Ring toss: When I think of ring toss, I imagine playing at a carnival. But there are at-home versions that are perfect for playing outside. The game is easy for any age to play and understand, and your kids can practice eye-hand coordination.

Croquet: Yes! People still play croquet, and not just your grandma’s friends. This game is an excellent addition to your backyard game’s repertoire and is fun to set up for a barbeque with friends.

Best outdoor toys for boys and girls for the beach

If you’re lucky enough to live near a body of water or even have a backyard or community pool, here are some toys you can use next time you go for a swim.

Kids kayaks: These kids’ kayaks are lightweight, durable, and not easy to tip over! Designed to meet the needs of youth, including front storage and a convenient cup holder so your child can easily switch from paddling near the dock to that all-day adventure. Comes with a padded slip-resistant seat, swim-up deck, paddle rest and stable hull design with great maneuverability and steady tracking.

Foam squirt guns: We know water guns are a hit with kids, but they are so easy to refill that even toddlers can do it independently. They are also lightweight and pretty inexpensive! Bring them to the beach, or use them in the backyard with a bucket of water for refills.

Diving toys: Kids love a challenge, and practicing with these dive toys are a great way to hone their skills in the water while still having fun!

Boogie boards: These boards can be used to float around and kick through the water, but my boys have used them as floating tables, placing their dive toys or rocks and shells they find on the ocean floor on them.

Collapsable buckets: These are great space-saving options for buckets. They are sturdy and ready to make sandcastles, collect frogs, or be water transporters!

Fishing Poles: If you live in an area that allows for fishing, check out these kids’ fishing poles. Younger kids may need some assistance from an adult, but as they age, this is a great hobby to encourage that independence!

Inexpensive outdoor toys for boys and girls

While there are so many outdoor toys for boys and girls to choose from, some of them have hefty price tags. Check out this list of toys you can find at the dollar store. They are relatively inexpensive, and children of all ages will enjoy them.

Sidewalk Chalk: Combine your child’s love of creating art with the outdoors! If you have asphalt to draw on, great! But we have also used sidewalk chalk to color rocks or leaves.

Jump ropes: Jump ropes are inexpensive, easy to store, and provide hours of fun! Once your child gets the hang of simple jumps, there are many tricks to learn!

Wooden planes: You may remember wooden plane kits from your childhood. However, they still make these little sets and are just as fun for our kids. Folding your paper planes can make this activity even less expensive!

Bubbles: Who doesn’t love bubbles? There are many ways to play with them, and they come in different forms. Our favorites are the bubble wands. Pro-tip – tape the bubble container to a tree or table leg outside so the kids don’t spill all the bubble solution at once!

Water balloons: Water games are always a good idea in the summer. You can purchase a pack of water balloons for only a couple of dollars, and it’s an excellent activity for a birthday party or even a fun activity on a warm day.

Balls: This may seem like a no-brainer, but those big rubber bouncy balls you can find at the dollar store provide hours of fun. Watch as your child comes up with their games involving the balls, or start a kickball game with the whole family.

Yoga mat: Do you have a tiny yogi on your hands? Bring that yoga mat onto the porch, patio, or grass, and practice “child’s pose” with your kids!

Magnifying glass: Plastic magnifying glasses are perfect for little hands to get a close-up look at the world around them. Look under logs, at bugs, or even a flower bloom.

Squirt bottles: This multi-purpose item can be filled with water and used outside for open-ended play. While it may not be exciting initially, kids will love spraying down their toys, the garden, or even each other!

FREE outdoor toys for boys & girls

Yes, you read that right! There are hundreds of toys for kids to play with outside, and you can find them all in nature.

Sticks: A stick can be a magic wand, a baseball bat, or a tool for writing in the sand. It can be something your child collects to make a fort or something to paint on to create a personalized hiking stick.

Water: Water is simple, but it can be used for many activities. Let the kids use the hose and make mud pies and stone soup with a bucket, dirt, stones, pinecones, and water. Or, with a younger child, fill a shallow pan with water and let them splash.

Leaves: Use leaves to make a leaf crown, attaching them to a paper strip and placing them on your head. You can also do leaf rubbings by putting a leaf under a piece of paper and rubbing the top of the paper with the long side of a crayon. Make a leaf man after reading the book Leaf Man!

Clouds: Lay on your back on the grass or a sleeping bag and watch the clouds. You can talk about the job clouds have with your older children, or look for animals or objects in the shapes of the clouds with their younger siblings.

Make a nature shelf: This can be an outdoor activity for the whole family. When you play outside, or go on a nature walk, collect little rocks, shells, feathers, or whatever else catches your eye and sparks your interest. Add them to your nature shelf, which you can hang inside or keep outside.

I hope this post can help you find the perfect birthday or Christmas gift or broaden your knowledge of outdoor toys. New toys are constantly hitting the market, but many have stood the test of time, as you may remember playing with them as a child! Now, get outside and start playing!

Which toy do you think your child will love?

About the author

Lissy lives near the ocean on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, with her husband, 2 rambunctious boys (aged 4 & 7), and an ever-growing number of pets. She grew up walking nature trails and finding joy in the beauty of nature. She now shares that love for local adventures with her community through her blog, “Get Outside Cape Cod”. Lissy knows that everyone can benefit from spending more time outdoors, and wants to inspire and support families to do just that!

You can find more from Lissy in the following online locations:
Instagram: @getoutsidecapecod
Website: Get Outside Cape Cod
Facebook: @getoutsidecapecod
RWMC Posts: Lissy Perna
FAMILY TRAVEL, INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, TEENS
Healthy Risk Through Outdoor Adventure and Travel
- November 10, 2021
Risk is a part of our everyday lives. Learning to navigate and assess risk is an essential life skill for all kids. But embracing risky play and feeling comfortable in our decision to let kids take risks can be hard for parents. How do we teach our kids about healthy risk while still maintaining a safe and secure environment? Well, you can’t always. However, there are ways to do it with intention. Today, Jen Barnes, South Carolina mom to three teenagers is here to help realize the benefits (and needs) of letting your kids take healthy risks. She shows us that outdoor adventure and travel are the two best ways to embrace healthy risk and their place in the development of our kids.

What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly!”

What is risk?

Risk is most often defined as the possibility of suffering a harmful event or exposure to the chance of injury or loss. Risky play can generally be defined as thrilling and exciting forms of play that involve a risk of physical injury.

But did you know the synonyms of risk are opportunity, venture, fortune, and fortuity?

So, which is it: is risk good or is risk bad? Of course, it’s not that simple. The complexity is in understanding what is the relationship between risk and reward. We can give our kids understanding through experiences to guide them along in assessing risk vs reward and frame the concept of “no risk no reward” with a strong foundation.

Remember, only by taking risks can kids learn to manage risk intelligently, thus creating a habit of healthy risk-taking. Characteristics of kids who are healthy risk-takers include tenacious, persistent, opportunity seekers, and courage. Aren’t those the type of characteristics we are all trying to instill in our kids?

What does risk have to do with the outdoors?

Unlike financial investments, there is no practical risk-reward ratio in nature. Hopefully, this makes risk a little more approachable. There is a simplicity of trial and error as kids play in their natural environment. Soon, healthy risk becomes part of play and an essential part of development.

Many believe that playing it safe is the riskiest choice we can ever make because it stunts development and personal growth. Scott Sampson who wrote How to Raise a Wild Child says, “by preventing our kids from engaging in risky play we are also preventing them from how to navigate risk. A skill they will desperately need as teenagers and the rest of their lives.”

Healthy risk requires play

Children learn through play. Children learn holistically through unstructured free play outdoors. As their imaginations and creativity are sparked into flame outside, they are also problem-solving and engaging in cause and effect. It may seem like a jump to say these things have a part in risk, but as you know, lessons layer upon each other.

Every time your 6-year-old daughter runs across a wobbly log she is enjoying the beauty of her environment while learning her own physical capabilities. She may fall off, or the log may move, demonstrating to her she took a healthy risk she could manage. Even if things didn’t go the way she wanted them to she is learning. Depriving her of this experience by saying “no, that’s not safe” means you are depriving her of learning her capabilities (and limits) and embracing her potential.

The outdoors has a way of testing not just physical acuity, but also mental. The many variables of weather, wildlife, and unstable surroundings give kids a chance to try, fail, try again, and succeed in their endeavors. Learning through play in nature contributes to giving kids a strong foundation.

From a 7-year-old climbing on boulders to a 17-year-old planning a backpacking adventure, healthy risk-taking is involved and growth happens because of it. I love what our friends @laneslesstraveled on Instagram had to say about kids and risk and consequences in a recent post. Check it out for some perspective from a typical family that spends a lot of time outdoors.

Practical ways to invite healthy risk in for young kids

The obvious answer the question about how to find “healthy risks” is straightforward — get outside. But, I wanted to provide ideas for age-appropriate healthy risks and actions you can take with your kids today. While I wholeheartedly believe that any time outside is worthwhile, these ideas will give your kids a chance to grow in confidence and competence outdoors. The benefits of outdoor play will be seen over time as your child develops.

As a personal anecdote, I had an early walker who was climbing playgrounds by age 1. She was tiny and it made me incredibly nervous, but telling her no did nothing. How could I take her to play outdoors but restrain her from play? At that age, kids are impossible to reason with, so my best tactic was to stand underneath her and encourage her to press on. She and I learned together how much she was capable of and I was completely amazed.

We can learn from Linda Akeson McGurk who says, “As parents we need to resist the urge to fall into fear-based approaches that drive parents to hold on to children too tightly and prevent them from growing in healthy ways.” Holding on too tightly would have frustrated both of us.

Risky play activities for kids

Risky play involves kids experimenting with what they can accomplish and pushing themselves to figure out what will happen without knowing the exact outcome. It’s kind of like a science experiment, where kids get to test out their bodies, physical ability, environment, and coordination to determine what they can (and can’t) do and what they’re comfortable with. It’s a way for them to figure out how their bodies work and how the world works around them. Risky play doesn’t mean dangerous play.

Here are the types of “risky play” activities that kids can engage in:
- climbing (trees, towers)
- jumping off things (stairs, rocks, the diving board)
- experiencing speed (swings, ziplines, skiing, skateboarding)
- using tools (hammer, saw)
- rough and tumble play
- balancing activities
Nature fosters healthy risk-taking

Getting young children out into open spaces like the woods or a farm is helpful in introducing natural risk. Without the distractions of toys or screens, kids learn to find and make their own fun. Often you will find young kids creating their own games and contests in these outdoor spaces typically climbing over natural obstacles and jumping and running free through mud and muck. They like to push their bodies to see what they can accomplish and test the limits in a natural environment.

They fall down and get dirty a lot. Sometimes they scrape a knee or get some bruises. They fail, they succeed, they try again, they push their limits, they question their ability. And every time they do, they learn why that happened, what they’re capable of, and how to manage it differently (or the same) next time. Those types of experiences give kids the opportunity to see what produces the results they want or need in a given situation, which is exactly what risk assessment is all about.

Escalating the risk factor for older kids

As kids get older, they need healthy ways to foster independence and confidence. Older kids feel a strong need to prove themselves capable, which becomes apparent in their actions and decision-making. Of course, this plays out differently amongst the many personalities. But, that desire is there in some way.

As parents, it is our job to encourage and facilitate activities that will give our kids an opportunity to test themselves, but still keep them safe. You will notice that older kids will begin to try new things, as well as resist help, which is completely normal development.

When your child starts pushing the limits, instead of a blanket “be careful,” try asking questions like, “How do you think you’ll make it across the creek?” or “Which route are you taking up the tree?” These questions give your older kids the power to make their own decisions but also guide them into thinking through their decisions.

Try new things

Healthy risk-taking often includes charting new territory. There are some wonderful outdoor adventure parks and outdoor adventure camps that provide big fun and big challenges to kids. Floating water parks in lakes and water obstacle courses are summertime activities that give kids some extra adventure. Ziplines and ropes courses give them a thrill and test their abilities in a safe way.

Consider signing up your kids for an adventure camp to let them try new things. They will get a small taste of several activities and one is bound to be a favorite. As a side note, this also gives kids a space to try something before you invest a bunch of money or time into a specific activity.

Listen to what you kids interests are and let them start to take the lead on activities. By age 10 kids are developing pretty strong opinions and are in the beginning stages of sorting out what they like and how they want to spend their time. If you are having a tough time tearing them away from shopping excursions or playing video games, have them invite a friend along.

Healthy risk and teenagers

Risky behavior can seem scary and overwhelming to parents of teenagers. The adolescent stage is a powerful combination of hormone overload (and no idea what to do with those hormones), and an intense need to prove something to themselves and those around them. Much of what we hear in the news is the ways teenagers choose negative risks that have no valuable rewards.

Teenagers are looking for an escape and a boundary-pushing experience. I truly believe both of those needs can be met in the outdoors. We, as parents, can show our teens how to exchange poor risk choices for healthy risk choices.

As a parent of three teenagers, I can tell you with full assurance that kids will push the limits, whether you are involved or not. Therefore, the more you participate in their endeavors, the better, so you can help guide their choices and actions. I don’t mean that becoming a helicopter parent is the answer. That will just backfire and they’ll choose to engage in risky activities away from you, despite your warnings.

When you are with your kids as they adventure, you affirm their choices and actions. You approve their desire for bigger challenges and more independence. It’s not going to be easy (anything involving parenting rarely is). This will require you to push your own limits from time to time as well. It will require you to take a step back and let them lead. It forces you to trust them in new ways. And, it may push you into activities and adventures you never dreamed of!

For example, I never thought I would learn to surf in my 40’s. However, my kids wanted to give it a try. In order to spend time with them and be a part of their risk-taking, I had to get out there with them. It was all new and not a choice I would have made for myself. But, getting out of my comfort zone shows my teens that hard things are doable and it’s ok if you aren’t very good at it!

Healthy risk activities for teens

Next time you are thinking about outdoor activities for teens, consider adding things that provide a bit of a challenge or thrill for them and can help them push boundaries in a healthy way.

Maybe consider renting ATVs as a way to get deeper into backcountry areas. Find a hike that ends with a bang like a waterfall they can swim in or cliff jump nearby. Perhaps instead of pulling up next to a lake to fish, you can hike into a spot with your fishing gear (or kayak there). Sign your kids up for a one-on-one lesson in something wild like kiteboarding or wakeboarding. There are also a host of winter activities that encourage tweens and teens to get outside and keep things just a bit exciting.

Another level of risk: adventure travel

Outdoor adventure travel may sound intimidating to some families, but I’m here to encourage you to give them a try and let you know that adventures come in many shapes and sizes. If travel in general or travel to a specific destination is an adventure to YOU, then it’s an adventure.

Traveling to a new place in and of itself is a healthy risk. The risk factor enters as you introduce your kids to new experiences that are different from your daily life. Don’t underestimate the power of exposing your kids to landscapes that look nothing like your typical surroundings and cultures that are different from your own. Even trying new foods can be a healthy risk. Getting our kids away from distractions plays a big role in their development as their confidence grows.

Outdoor adventure resorts are popping up across the world to provide families a place to spend quality time together while enjoying boundary-pushing experiences. These resorts cater to families and have a wide variety of activities like canyoneering, kayaking, zip-lining, sailing, and more outdoor adventure activities. Think of these resorts like camp for the entire family.

Favorite family adventure travel destinations

Our family loves traveling to new places and exploring. We love cities just as much (if not more) than beaches and mountains. There are so many amazing places out there to explore. And each destination brings on a whole new set of thrills, obstacles, adventures, and explorations. Travel is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and expand you horizons. Here are some family-friendly adventure travel destinations, perfect for finding a wide variety of activities for kids of all ages and interests,

Summer adventure travel destinations (May-September)
- Vail, Colorado
- Big Sky, Montana
- Voyageurs National Park, MN
- Maine
- Canadian Rockies
- Scandinavia
- Alaska
- Japan
- Dolomites, Italy
- Iceland
Winter adventure travel destinations (October-April)
- Costa Rica
- Patagonia (Argentina or Chile)
- Florida Keys
- Snowshoe, West Virginia
- New Mexico
- Big Bend National Park, TX
- Namibia
- Hawaii
- Belize
- Morocco
This is a vast and wide list, but I just wanted to get your wheels turning and give some inspiration. While this list is nowhere near exhaustive, you can see a few patterns. If you have water activity-loving kids, you may find more adventurous activities in the October to April list. You will find that many of the ski resorts transform in the summer months to give kids epic outdoor experiences. It’s a big world with a whole lot of variety.

*Pro tip: I keep a folder in my Instagram that I titled “Teen Destinations.” I save posts to it anytime I come across a destination or activity that looks fun, so I can easily access ideas for adventure planning.

Kids and teens need the outdoors

It would be irresponsible of me not to bring attention to the staggering reality regarding kids and the outdoors as a whole. Many of the statistics we see and hear are downright scary. We have all heard the number of hours that kids and teens are spending on screens is increasing at an alarming rate. And it’s not just video games and Dude Perfect YouTube videos. More of our kids’ education is being conducted on a screen. Their main methods of communication are through a smartphone via text, Snapchat, Tik Tok, and others.

Suffice it to say, kids rarely get a break from the constant noise and distractions. Did you know that our kids’ generation is in danger of a life expectancy lower than the generation before it? This is scary and something has to change.

Here is the good news- we can take action today to do something about it. In my research, I learned some incredible things about the effects of nature on our kids’ well-being. As little as 15 minutes in the woods scientifically shows a reduction in the stress hormone cortisol. When our human senses encounter nature, alpha waves are created in our brain giving us the neural resonance of relaxation.

Nature not only makes us feel better, but it also alters our biology, measurably reducing our fight or flight response. This is the automatic physiological reaction to an event that is perceived as stressful or frightening and triggers an acute stress response that prepares the body to fight or flee. Do you see that? Nature helps our kids in risky situations.

Neuroscientists are on the path to proving the positive effects of nature. Healthy interpersonal relationships, increased generosity toward others, as well as a sense of connection to the larger community of life are byproducts. Those positive effects are motivating to give kids more outside moments. In turn, they have ways to demonstrate their ability to manage healthy risk in a productive way.

For more risky play ideas

Included are resources that will help you teach your kids about healthy risks through outdoor adventures and travel.

Check out these books for practical help:
If you are looking for inspiration on family adventure travel check out this post on visiting a Dude Ranch during the winter.

What activities can you plan to introduce
healthy risk into the development of your kids and teenagers?

About the author

Jen has been married to her original adventure partner, John, for 20 years. She is a mama to 3 teenagers who, although they have busy and independent lives, love to adventure in the outdoors when they can. Jen is a native of Chicago, but has lived in South Carolina for two decades and calls it home. She’s always planning the next adventure for herself or her friends, whether near or far. Hiking, kayaking, sailing with her family, or traveling the world is all about the experience and the journey. Her extroverted nature keeps her talking and smiling with anyone she meets along the way. She’s on a mission to show other busy families that traveling with teenagers is possible and fun!

You can find Jen online in the following locations:
Instagram: @gofamilyadventure
Website: Go Family Adventure
RWMC Posts: Jen Barnes
INFORMATION, OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, WINTER
Hidden Benefits of Outdoor Winter Play for Children
- January 31, 2020
As the old saying goes, “Variety is the spice of life!” And nothing provides quite a much variety throughout life as the changes of the seasons. When the seasons change, a whole host of new outdoor activities become available for families and for children. And winter is no exception. Today we have Ginny from 1000 Hours Outside, a homeschooling mom from Michigan (where it is a balmy 21 degrees outside, which may actually feel quite nice depending on where you live) sharing her perspective on the benefits of outdoor winter play. Instead of riding out the frigid temperatures and waiting for spring, we hope this post will encourage you to head outside for some beneficial outdoor winter play!

Benefits of Outdoor Winter Play

Winter is worth it

Depending on your location, there will be certain seasons that are more conducive to outside time than others. Winter is probably not too many parents’ favorite season for outdoor play. The gloves, the hats, the scarves, the snow pants, the layers, the whining! We know! We know! It probably takes longer for you to get everyone dressed in their layers than the time you actually spend in the open air. Am I right?

Yes, you’ll have a pile of wet and melting gear afterward. And lots of muddy clothes to wash. But, instead of looking at seasons as good or bad we like to look at them as opportunities to try new things. Yes, winter brings its own set of challenges, but it also brings special magical outdoor activities you can’t do any other time. We promise you that getting outside in the winter months is worth your time and effort! Read on to learn just some of the benefits of outdoor winter play. We just might turn you into a fan of winter after all!

Winter play enhances brain function

Did you know that increasingly complex movements enhance brain function? We tend to think of movements becoming more intricate only through that first year of life. A baby begins by lifting the head and then pushing to all fours. Next, baby is crawling pulling up and finally walking, all within a relatively short span of time. But what then?

After those initial milestones, the milestones continue though not as linearly. Think of the complexity of bike riding and swimming, pitching a baseball and climbing a tree. Children who are given ample time to play outside and try these activities will naturally progress to more difficult bodily movements, all while boosting brain function.

In Smart Moves: (Why Learning is Not All in Your Head), Carla Hannaford, Ph.D. writes “Elderly people who dance regularly decrease their risk of dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease by 76% and those that play a musical instrument decrease the risk by 69%.” These statistics portray the importance of sophisticated movements.

So what, you say. What does all of this have to do with outdoor winter play? Well, I’m so glad you asked! Consider the movements associated with outdoor winter play beginning with the simple act of walking in snow or on ice (in thick/heavy boots and clothing, no less). Immediately, the brain is fired up! This is a new experience – and a complex one. Legs must go higher, balance is tested. Throw in some other activities such as sledding, skiing, ice-skating, snow-shoeing, rolling and even throwing snowballs and you’ve got yourself a season that is filled with opportunities for children to challenge themselves in complex physical ways that benefit their brains and bodies.

Outdoor winter play enhances creativity

Winter brings all new possibilities for creative play, imagination and construction. Forget sandcastes, build a frozen snow castle! Or snowmen, snow mountains, snow towers, snow forts, snow volcanoes, snow lanterns, snow sculptures, snow cakes, etc. You can paint the snow, eat the snow, and make angels in the snow. Snow and ice offer kids a never-ending supply of elements for creative little minds.

There are endless ideas floating around about using simple things you probably already have on hand like food coloring and bowls to create ice ornaments. Or mix food coloring with water in a spray bottle and letting the kids have at it. Interestingly, there is also so much variation between the types of snow that falls. Is it wet snow? Will it pack? Is it dense or light and flaky? Is it good for sledding? Building snowman? And then how should we dress the snowman? You get the picture!

It can be easy to think of a season where everything seems monochrome as drab, one without possibilities. But the elements of outdoor winter play are so open-ended that we have at our finger-tips a literal blank canvas of endless opportunity! Creative opportunities abound during this marvelous season!

Winter play enhances physical health and development

Fresh air does a body good, but so does movement. A good romp in the snow will get the lymphatic system moving, helping our bodies clear out unwanted toxins. Additionally, these outdoor winter play movements involve muscles that may not get as much use in other seasons. The simple act of pulling a sled up a hill gives the legs a magnificent workout. In what other season would we go up and down hills over and over? This trudging through deep snow time and again does so much for a child’s physical development.

Winter is also a time for advancing core strength. All of the balance work, keeping the body upright while sledding down a hill or slip-sliding across a frozen pond, engages the core. Shoveling helps in the exact same way and is considered “heavy work; that is, any type of activity that pushes or pulls against the body. Heavy work is crucial for developing body awareness.

And while this is great for your child’s physical health, there’s another perk of outdoor winter play you may not be aware of! All of this intense physical activity will inadvertently help your child in academia! Students who have a strong core don’t have to expend energy or constantly think about sitting at a desk. It is a well-known phenomenon that this is something many young people struggle with these days, to the point of even falling out of the chairs at school. There’s such a cross-over between all of these benefits!

Winter play strengthens relational bonds

Outdoor winter play engages all the senses. This is one of the reasons time in nature is often so memorable. Some of my favorite childhood memories are shoveling snow with my dad in the early mornings when it seemed that all the world was fast asleep. I remember the dark, the biting cold, and the rhythmic sounds of the shovel against the cement. I can still recall the huge piles of snow that would accumulate along the edges of the driveway, the bit of observation needs to shovel in the right direction so the wind wouldn’t bring it all right back, I remember that indescribable feeling when you’re all finished and you head inside to warm up.

Isn’t this one the simplest things in life? Shoveling with my dad. Just me and him. It doesn’t seem like the kind of exciting memory that a child would value above so many other super fun and exciting activities, but it mattered. It stuck. Think about it…how many of your fondest childhood memories and moments happened outside? The connections and memories you make outdoors seem to stick with you much longer than others. The magic of childhood can be found in the most ordinary places, most of which are outside!

Have we convinced you to get outside this winter?
What are some of your outdoor memories from childhood?

About the Author

Ginny is a Michigan homeschooling mother of five and the founder of 1000 Hours Outside. She is a thought-leader in the world of nature-based play and its benefits for children. Her 1000 Hours Outside Challenge spans the globe and many people from all walks of life look to her for inspiration as well as practical tips on how to put down the screens and get outside. Ginny has a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Michigan and is also a children’s book author and illustrator. Her book, The Little Farmhouse in West Virginia was published in February 2019.

You can find more from Ginny in the following locations:
Website: http://www.1000HoursOutside.com
Instagram: @1000hoursoutside
Facebook: @1000hoursoutside
RWMC posts: Ginny Yurich