Did you know outdoor physical activity feels less strenuous than indoor physical activity? That's one reason you'll want your children to play outdoors, stretch their limbs, and breathe fresh air. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children six to 17 should get at least one hour of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily. It'll be easier to get that physical activity outdoors, where your kids can run around, rather than indoors, where your kids might be like bulls in a china shop and break stuff. 

Here are five reasons outdoor physical activity is better than indoor physical activity for your kids.

1. More Space

It'll be difficult for your kids to get enough daily physical activity if they're inside all day. There's only so much space available in your living room, den, or basement. If you live in a small home or apartment, it'll be even more difficult for your kids to have sufficient space. But if your kids are in the backyard, at a park, or at a campground, they'll have lots of room to roam.

If you live in a community with a playground and have younger kids, let them blow off steam on the swings, slides, monkey bars, and other equipment. Playground equipment isn't what it was when you were a kid -- and that's a good thing. If you find a commercial playground nearby, you can count on the equipment being of superior quality for fun and safety.

“The commercial playground equipment industry is continually working to design playground equipment that is engaging, challenging, and safe for kids,” says Matt Allison of Actively Play, which sells commercial playground equipment nationwide. “Modern playground manufacturers use quality materials and follow commercial playground safety standards to ensure playground equipment is safe.”

2. Fresh Air

Fresh air offers many health benefits. It cleans the lungs, reduces heart rates, boosts energy levels, improves moods, and aids digestion. So, when your kids are outside engaging in physical activity alone or with company, they'll get the benefits that fresh air in their lungs affords. 

While kids can get health benefits playing indoors, the added benefits of outdoor physical activity mean you should encourage your kids to spend more playtime in the great outdoors.

3. Restful Sleep

Your kids will get a higher quality of sleep when they play outdoors. In order to function, your kids should get the recommended amount of sleep for their age group. You should ensure they have a regular bedtime -- especially during the weekdays -- so they get into a rhythm. Exposure to the sun leads to better sleep at bedtime. That's why playtime outside should be a priority.

4. Sunshine

Yet another reason outdoor activity beats indoor activity is that the former encourages exposure to the sun's rays. While too much of a good thing can be a bad thing, getting enough sunshine is good for your health. Ultraviolet rays enable bodies to make vitamin D, which is good for blood cells, bones, and the immune system. If your children are outdoors when the sun's hot, ensure they're dressed appropriately and have sunscreen so they have fun and stay safe.

5. Greater Variety

Exercising outside affords a greater variety of things your kids can do. Whether they like playing on playgrounds, running around in open fields, going hiking, playing basketball, or doing other things, there'll be infinitely more activities they can do outside rather than inside.

As you can see, there are advantages to having your kids engage in outdoor activities over indoor ones. If they spend too much time in the house, plan fun outdoor activities. The best thing is your children will enjoy being outside rather than cooped up in the house.