Kids today spend more time staring at screens than they do playing outside. But playing outdoors is one of the best parts of being a kid! The smell of the grass, vibrant colors, and endless discoveries all play a part in how children express their natural tendency toward creativity. Here are seven ways playing outdoors can help kids with creativity.



1- Exploration

When children play outdoors, they have endless opportunities to explore. From a rocky hillside to a tiny stream, there is always something new to discover. Exploration can help with creativity by giving children a larger sense of the world and the opportunity to learn about things that don't usually hold a place in everyday life.

2- Sense of Wonder

While a child may feel awe at seeing a bird hatch out of an egg or a butterfly emerge from a chrysalis on TV, the sense of wonder from seeing it in real life is incomparable. Playing outdoors allows children ample opportunities to witness natural processes first-hand.

3- Curiosity

Outdoor play invokes a sense of curiosity in children. Anthills popping up in the cracks of the sidewalk offer a first-hand look into a world of community and camaraderie. The leaves of a tree become a lesson in the botanical circulatory system. What better way to spark children's curiosity than the world outdoors?

4- Self-Expression

Outdoor play promotes the release of serotonin in children. This can help children manage their emotions and build a sense of self-confidence. Having a solid sense of self allows children to explore self-expression without the fear of embarrassing themselves. This, in turn, can bolster a child's creativity because the child is unafraid of expressing themselves in front of others.

5- Problem-Solving

Playing outside is a fantastic way to learn problem-solving skills. Children can better understand how basic mechanics, simple chemical reactions, and natural processes work by observing the world around them. This will help them apply these first-hand lessons in their everyday lives.

6- Vitamin D

Vitamin D is said to be the number one vitamin kids in the US aren't getting enough of. It is also critically important to the cognitive function of children. There are only two ways for children to get vitamin D: sunlight and diet. Outdoor play is a fantastic way to expose children to this vital nutrient, which in turn helps their brain function improve and their creativity flourish.

7- Socializing

Playing outdoors is an excellent opportunity for children to socialize with other children. Whether it be siblings, neighborhood children, or children they meet at the park, socialization helps children feel increased support, allowing them to take creative risks without the anxiety that may come from not having a social support system from their peers.

While playing indoors is a terrific pastime for kids, too much screen time can be a real detriment to their mental and physical well-being. It is essential to ensure they also get regular outdoor playtime. It's an excellent and enjoyable way for kids to bolster their creativity and exercise their growing bodies.