How Much Time Should a Child Spend Outside?
Outdoor play is healthy for growing children for so many different reasons. In fact, many parents wonder exactly, “How much time should a child spend outside?” While different experts offer different suggestions, the most common answer is between an hour and an hour and half on average per day!
At Adventure World Playsets, we’re an outdoor play company that builds a line of high-quality swing sets that kids all over the country love. Since outdoor fun is our business and our passion, we’re breaking down the question, “How much time should a child spend outside?” right here!
How Many Hours Should a Child Play Outside?
The most common answer to, “How many hours should a child play outside?” is between one hour and one and a half hours per day. Of course, this is an average, so they don’t need to play outside the exact same amount of time each day, every day. So, if your kids have a super long outdoor game session one day, and it rains the next, you’re in the clear!
While the developmental benefits of playing outside are undisputed, getting both younger and older kids to actually go outside can be easier said than done. The allure of electronics and social media is hard to deny – and playing outside requires initiative and making your own fun. There’s no question that outdoor play is worth it, though! The reasons that a child should play for at least an hour outside are multifaceted and equally beneficial:
- Physical – Playing outside oftentimes involves a good deal of running around and getting exercise. Even if your kids’ play is unstructured, they are still getting their blood pumping and their muscles moving. See more tips for making exercise fun!
- Social and Creative – Getting outside can be the perfect catalyst to spark new ideas and fun imagination games that don’t happen when you’re on the couch. Plus, the outdoors are often best enjoyed with friends, and playing outside is a great way to foster friendships!
- Break from Screens – For the most part, technology really can be great (after all, you’re reading this blog on a phone or computer screen). However, too much of anything can become a problem – and digital devices are certainly no exception. One of the best benefits of playing outside is that it’s a great break from all of our modern technology and social media.
Check out 10 great non-screen activities your kids will love!
Make Outdoor Play Enticing with Adventure World Playsets
Now that you have an answer to the question, “How much time should a child spend outside?” – you may be wondering how you get your child to participate. We’ve heard time and time again from satisfied customers that a new playset works wonders in motivating their kids to play outdoors again.
At Adventure World Play Sets, we offer a wide range of backyard sets that cater to a wide range of interests, age groups, and play styles. Our popular sets include everything from simple, small sets with just swings, to huge playsets that offer everything from multiple slides to interconnected towers, clubhouses, rock walls, and countless other accessories. Bottom line: check out our most popular swing sets and you’re sure to find something that is the perfect choice for your kids.
Bringing home your very own Adventure World Play Set is both easy and convenient.
We make our sets available nationwide through a dedicated dealer network of outdoor play professionals who handle everything from design to installation. The first step is to enter your your zip code right here to find your local partner!
