So, it’s 2026, and I have a question for you: When was the last time you brought your child to the park or saw a group of kids playing there, without phones? It’s something we seem to see less often than we used to.
What happened to kids going for bike rides with their friends, coming home covered in dirt from the sandbox, or playing catch in the backyard? Personally, when I was little, I loved being outside and everything about it. Whether it was playing with sidewalk chalk, running through the sprinkler on a hot day, playing tag, jumping on the trampoline, or just picking flowers in the yard, I always knew how to enjoy the outdoors.
The answer is, many kids now spend a larger portion of their day engaged with screens and indoor activities. Unfortunately, too much screen time can have a negative effect on children. It also means they’re missing out on all the benefits that come with being outside.
Luckily, with school out for the summer and warm weather finally here, now is the perfect time for kids to play outside!
If you’re wondering what exactly are the benefits to kids playing outside, there are plenty:
- Inspires creativity and imagination
When children play outside, they invent their own games, explore, solve problems, and keep themselves entertained. Kids are curious, and being outside helps spark their natural sense of wonder. - Helps develop confidence
Exploring the outdoors encourages independence. Kids will learn to take risks, try new things, and trust themselves, which helps build confidence and self-esteem. - Helps develop social skills
A lot of the time, during outdoor play, kids are around other kids. This could be friends, siblings, classmates, or even kids they don’t know. It creates the opportunity for kids to socialize and teaches them to share, be kind, and navigate struggles. - It promotes responsibility
When kids play outside, they learn to appreciate and take care of the things around them. This might be picking up litter, watering plants, respecting wildlife, or being gentle with flowers. These lessons often carry over to other settings as well. - Keeps kids active
Outdoor play is almost always associated with physical activity. Not only is it a lot of fun, but it is good for children’s health. Outdoor play improves motor skills, increases muscle strength, and is a great way for kids to burn off steam. Children aged 5-11 should accumulate at least one hour of moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity daily. - Relieves stress
Excessive screen time can actually induce stress and anxiety in children, whereas being outside in the fresh air creates a calming effect and promotes positive feelings and overall well-being. - Improves sleep
Physical activity and time spent in natural daylight help regulate the body’s internal clock, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Children aged 3-5 years need 10-13 hours of sleep each day, while children 6-12 years need 9-12 hours each night to support healthy growth, learning, and overall wellbeing.
The next time you’re deciding what to do with your kids, consider heading outside instead of using more screentime. Children learn by watching the adults around them. When caregivers choose active outdoor play and put away their own screens, they are showing what a balanced, active lifestyle looks like. You might not think it’s a big deal now, but the benefits can last a lifetime. Not to mention, it’s free!
Getting kids outside takes support from all of us. Families, schools, recreation programs, and communities can work together to create opportunities for children to play, explore, and be active outdoors. Every child should have access to safe, welcoming places to play. When outdoor play is encouraged and supported throughout the community, children are more likely to develop healthy, active habits that can benefit them for years to come.
For more ideas and resources on helping children stay active and healthy, visit Active for Life. For all your outdoor adventures, remember to stay sun safe! Check out TBDHU's Sun Safety Tips.