The benefits of outdoor play for children go far beyond simple fun. At First Congregational Preschool in Meriden, CT, we believe outdoor play is a vital part of early childhood development. Every day, our preschoolers have opportunities to explore, learn, and grow in a safe, supervised environment. From building strong bodies to developing social skills and boosting confidence, outdoor play helps children gain essential skills that last a lifetime.

Physical Development Through Outdoor Play

One of the most noticeable benefits of outdoor play is its impact on physical development. When children at First Congregational Preschool run, climb, or participate in games outside, they strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and enhance motor skills. According to the CDC children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity daily, and outdoor play is a natural way to meet this goal.

Safety is always considered, from playground equipment checks to careful supervision, allowing children to enjoy active play without unnecessary risks. Additionally, time outside exposes children to sunlight, boosting vitamin D production, which supports healthy bones and immune function.

Cognitive Benefits of Outdoor Play

The importance of outdoor play and what children learn from it also extends to cognitive development. Outdoor environments stimulate curiosity, problem-solving, and creativity. At First Congregational Preschool, activities like gardening, nature walks, and exploring playground equipment encourage children to observe, ask questions, and engage in imaginative play.

Outdoor play allows children to experience unstructured learning. They make decisions, test ideas, and learn from trial and error, developing critical thinking skills while gaining confidence. All activities are supervised to ensure children explore safely while expanding their minds.

Social Skills and Emotional Growth

Another key aspect of the benefits of outdoor play for children is social and emotional development. When children play outside together, they learn teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in ways that go beyond the classroom. Outdoor play also boosts confidence and helps kids manage emotions in a positive way. At First Congregational Preschool, we value these experiences as much as academics. Visit our “Why Us” page to see how we feel about the importance of play in caring for our preschoolers.

Moreover, outdoor play helps children manage stress and regulate emotions. The freedom to run, climb, and explore contributes to happiness and overall emotional well-being. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children who engage in regular outdoor play develop stronger self-esteem and better emotional regulation. Safe, structured supervision ensures children can enjoy these emotional benefits without worry.

Developing Independence and Confidence

Outdoor play also encourages independence and self-confidence. At First Congregational Preschool, children navigate playground equipment, explore outdoor spaces, and take small, supervised risks that help them assess situations and make decisions. Overcoming challenges in a safe environment gives children a sense of accomplishment and builds resilience that carries into daily life.

How We Encourage Outdoor Play at First Congregational Preschool

At First Congregational Preschool in Meriden, CT, we make outdoor play a daily priority:

• Safe and stimulating outdoor spaces: Our playground and outdoor learning areas provide opportunities for exploration and fun, fully supervised by trained staff.
• Outdoor learning experiences: Nature walks, scavenger hunts, and gardening teach children about the world while encouraging curiosity.
• Balanced screen time: We encourage outdoor activities as a healthy alternative to screen-based entertainment.

For additional ideas for outdoor activities, parents can visit PBS Kids Outdoor Play resources.

Conclusion

The importance of outdoor play and what children learn from it is clear: it supports physical health, cognitive growth, social skills, emotional well-being, and independence. At First Congregational Preschool in Meriden, CT, we are committed to giving children daily opportunities to play, explore, and grow in safe, supervised outdoor environments. By fostering a love for outdoor activity, we help children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.