National Play Outside Day occurs on the first Saturday of every month, encouraging children and families to step away from screens and engage with nature. This recurring observance aims to combat the growing trend of sedentary lifestyles and excessive screen time among young people.
The origins of National Play Outside Day are not well-documented, but it likely emerged as a grassroots movement in response to concerns about children’s declining outdoor activity levels. As technology became more prevalent in daily life, parents, educators, and health professionals recognized the need to promote outdoor play actively.
Playing outside offers numerous benefits for children’s physical, mental, and social development. It promotes physical fitness, creativity, problem-solving skills, and social interaction. Outdoor play also helps children develop a connection with nature and an appreciation for the environment.
15 Examples of Outdoor Play Activities:
- Building a fort with sticks and leaves
- Playing tag or hide-and-seek
- Organizing a neighborhood scavenger hunt
- Flying a kite
- Skipping rocks on a pond or lake
- Climbing trees (with proper supervision)
- Riding bicycles
- Drawing with sidewalk chalk
- Playing catch or frisbee
- Creating nature art with found objects
- Jumping rope
- Playing hopscotch
- Bird watching or insect observation
- Gardening or planting flowers
- Having a picnic in the park
By participating in National Play Outside Day, families can establish healthy habits and create lasting memories. It serves as a reminder of the importance of unplugging and engaging with the world around us, fostering a lifelong appreciation for outdoor activities and nature.