Playing Outside Matters More Than Ever

Why Playing Outside Matters More Than Ever, and How It Shapes Our Children’s Future

We all know that outdoor play is good for kids. It’s something we tell ourselves we should prioritize - fresh air, sunshine, and a little dirt under their fingernails seem like the hallmarks of a healthy childhood. Yet, in reality, life gets in the way. School, structured activities, screen time, and our own busy schedules mean that outdoor play is often an afterthought. It’s easy to assume that a weekend park visit or the occasional nature walk is enough.

The numbers tell a different story. Studies show that children today spend 50% less time outdoors than their parents did. Meanwhile, the average child under 8 spends over two hours a day on screens, with that number doubling as they grow older. The impact? Rising levels of anxiety, attention difficulties, and a growing disconnect from the natural world. Research from the University of Exeter found that children who spend more time in nature have higher self-esteem, better emotional regulation, and stronger problem-solving skills.

And it’s not just about mental and emotional health. Outdoor play has a direct impact on physical development. Climbing, jumping, and balancing on uneven terrain strengthen core muscles, improve coordination, and reduce the risk of childhood obesity. One study even found that children who play outside regularly have better vision and are less likely to develop myopia.

Why It Matters

Beyond the immediate benefits, outdoor play fosters something deeper: a sense of connection to the planet. Kids who explore forests, dig in the dirt, and watch tadpoles turn into frogs are far more likely to develop a lifelong respect for nature. This matters because our children will be the ones making decisions about the future of our planet. If they grow up detached from the natural world, will they be motivated to protect it?

Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods, coined the term "nature deficit disorder" to describe the consequences of children growing up indoors. The less time kids spend in nature, the less likely they are to advocate for it. Simply put: we can’t expect the next generation to care about the planet if they never experience its magic firsthand.

In Nordic countries, forest schools, where children spend the majority of their day outdoors, rain or shine, are becoming the norm. These children score higher on creativity tests, have longer attention spans, and show better social skills than their peers in traditional classrooms. Meanwhile, in Japan, shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) is a common practice, reinforcing the mental and physical benefits of time spent in nature.

Parents in the U.S. are starting to take note, with the rise of nature-based preschools and outdoor playgroups. Families are prioritizing natural play structures over plastic, seeking toys that encourage exploration, and advocating for more green spaces in urban environments.

Shaping Their Future, Our Future

What happens if we don’t change course? The trend is clear - children who spend less time outdoors are more likely to struggle with mental health, develop weaker immune systems, and feel less connected to their environment. But there’s hope. By making outdoor play a daily habit (not just a special occasion) we set our children up for stronger bodies, sharper minds, and a deeper love for the world they will inherit.

At Bergwood, we believe in giving children the tools to explore, climb, and create in the natural world. Our Montessori-inspired wooden furniture and toys encourage open-ended play, independence, and a connection to nature, whether indoors or out. But the most important tool of all? Time outside.

So today, step outside with your child, even if it’s just for 15 minutes. Let them run barefoot, build a fort, or watch the clouds drift by. In doing so, you’re giving them more than just playtime - you’re shaping the way they see and care for the world.

Jenny

Co-founder, Bergwood

Want to read the details firsthand? Check out these sources:

• American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2021). Spending time outdoors may reduce kids’ risk of nearsightedness.
• Birch, J., Rishbeth, C., & Payne, S. R. (2020). Nature doesn't judge you—how urban nature supports young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
• Clements, R. (2004). An Investigation of the Status of Outdoor Play. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 5(1).
• Gray, C., Gibbons, R., Larouche, R., et al. (2015). What is the relationship between outdoor time and physical activity, sedentary behavior, and physical fitness in children? International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
  
• Louv, R. (2005). Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder.
• Rideout, V. (2017). The Common Sense Census: Media Use by Kids Age Zero to Eight.