Don’t Hide Inside this Winter. The Outdoors are Calling!
Depending on which part of Georgia you live in, it could feel like a cold winter day or it might feel like the beginning of spring. And, if you are located in middle Georgia, you may be lucky enough to experience both seasons in one day!
While we often joke about our state’s wacky weather conditions, we’re actually pretty lucky that we get to enjoy many, many days of good weather that is conducive to outside play and exploration. We know that children of all ages benefit from time spent outdoors, as do adults. Being outside in nature is a natural de-stressor and has been known to lower blood pressure as well as reduce feelings of anxiousness and depression. Bottom line? Nature makes us happy.
According to this Mental Floss article, spending time outside boosts your immune system and give you your natural daily dose of Vitamin D, which supports healthy bones by absorbing calcium. Other research indicates that children diagnosed with ADHD have been found to concentrate better after just 20 minutes outside and that outdoor play helps improve sensory skills, especially in toddlers.
If your child is enrolled in child care or attending school in person, they should enjoy dedicated outdoor time once or twice a day. Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning Bright from the Start recommends that all young children up to five years old receive daily outside time (weather permitting) and requires that children in child care for five hours or more each day receive a minimum of 1 – 1.5 hours of outdoor activity. This time spent outdoors helps children release pent-up energy, provides sensory stimulation they do not get from their indoor environment, and supports many developmental tasks such as exploring, risk taking, and developing fine and gross motor skills.
So, grab a sweater, possibly a hat and some mittens and start enjoying these short winter days. Before you know it, spring will have passed and we’ll be in the hot heat of July wishing for winter again.
Need some ideas on what to do with the ever changing winter weather?
Take a walk as a family at lunchtime or before dinner.
Kick a soccer ball back and forth, play hop scotch, draw with sidewalk chalk.
Go for a walk or jog and have your children run, bike, skate with you or push them in a stroller.
Collect pinecones and rocks. You can then take them home for crafting projects like creating pinecone bird feeders or painting rocks to participate in The Kindness Rocks Project.
Plan a play date at your local park!
Walk the dog.
Challenge yourself and kids to participate in the 52 Hike Challenge. Here’s some great ideas for Georgia families from 365 Atlanta Traveler. You can also find other great lists on this website to get you and your family out exploring Georgia.
Search for local outdoor activities like these found at Unexpected Atlanta.
