Playground design & build specialists
13/11/2019 Blog

Outdoor Play in Winter is Healthy

Benefits of Outdoor Play in Winter

It's true! Outdoor play in winter offers fantastic benefits for children. 

Many of us reminisce our childhood memories of playing outdoors, whatever the weather. Building snowmen, clamber trees and inventing games which kept us occupied for hours. These days children are often found indoors engrossed by digital screens. A recent study by Sustrans revealed that children are playing outside for only four hours a week, less than half that of their parents’ generation.


Newby Leisure recognises the importance and potential of creative outdoor play, especially during those bitter cold winter days. We acknowledge that psychical play is a crucial contributor to a healthy and happy upbringing. 


We understand that the great outdoors offers much more than the confines of limited indoor space. Creative play during winter offers limitless opportunities for your child to discover, imagine and learn. Below are a few examples of the psychical and psychological benefits of outdoor play during the winter.

Promotes psychical fitness and well-being

Playing outdoors encourages the use of the whole body and exercises key muscle groups. These large-muscles used in physical activity, support your children’s gross motor development and overall health.

Escaping nasty indoor germs

Playing outdoors builds up a child's resilience to common colds and prevents them from getting illnesses such as the flu virus. Having no or little exposure to the elements causes us to get sick during the winter months. Psychical play during the winter allows you and your child to get much needed fresh air and vitamin D while avoiding nasty bacteria that makes us sick. By wrapping up warm and playing in the cold children build up a healthy immune system and are less likely to develop allergies and autoimmune disorders in the future.

Emotional development

Braving the elements has many other health benefits. Playing outdoors in winter helps children build a strong sense of self when playing with others. Playing with friends teaches children how to work together, share and problem solve. Consequently, social skills are developed through the early stages of negotiation and resolving conflict in a free and fulfilling environment.

If these skills are built and mastered at a young age, your child will grow to have a strong sense of self and will be able to build healthy relationships and communicate effectively in the future.


 

Newby Leisure is proud to offer alternative gifts this Christmas that will get your children outdoors, exploring their unlimited imagination.

Our products are manufactured in house and are built to nurture and aid child development outdoors.

See the outdoors through a new lens with Newby Leisure's natural resources.

Why not consider an alternative gift for your little one that offers endless hours of fun and helps them build important skills for their future.

Mini Bug Hotel

The Mini Bug Hotel is a great gift for children of all ages. This outdoor resource will keep your child entertained for hours and help them learn about the natural environment. 


Mystical House 

A perfect gift that encourages role-play and learning skills. The Mystical House can be used to store your child’s favourite small items. Help them to build on their organisational skills this Christmas by purchasing this beautiful role play resource. 


Wooden Skip and Blocks

Our solid Wooden Skip offers endless construction play possibilities for your child. Through creative role play and building, your child learns to problem solve by assessing risks and identifying hazards. The building is not only fun, but it also helps to develop your child’s confidence and problem solving and safety skills.


Thanks for reading! 

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