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As spring turns into summer in Michigan, outdoor spaces and playgrounds come alive in a different way. Warmer temperatures, blooming landscapes, and longer days create the perfect opportunity for educators to take learning beyond the classroom walls. Across the state, early childhood professionals are embracing Michigan’s beautiful weather by encouraging children to explore, move, and play outdoors. Whether it’s climbing, running, digging, or simply discovering nature, outdoor experiences provide meaningful opportunities for children to learn while supporting their overall well-being.
One of the most obvious benefits of outdoor play is that, usually, it means children are physically active. The World Health Organization recommends that children aged one to four spend at least three hours a day being physically active, while children aged five and up get at least 60 minutes a day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. However, they note, more is better. Many children fall short of these recommended amounts. Like adults, they are spending more hours than ever before sitting.
Because outdoor play is usually physical in nature, getting children outside can help make up for this deficit. In fact, one study found that children who spent at least two hours a day outside had 27 percent more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than children who did not. This is likely why outdoor play has been found to have benefits for children's cardiovascular and overall physical health.
Children are also more likely to take risks when they are playing outdoors – think of climbing trees or jumping from a height. A growing body of research has found that this kind of risk-taking outdoors not only helps children get the physical activity that they need to be healthy and strong but also promotes children's resilience, creativity, and social skills.
Michigan childcare programs have a wonderful opportunity during the spring and summer months to extend learning beyond the classroom and into the outdoors. Whether through nature exploration, active play, or outdoor learning activities, time outside supports children’s health, development, and curiosity. As the weather warms across Michigan, we encourage educators to embrace the season, get outside, and make the most of all that outdoor play has to offer!
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