Experts agree that outdoor play is important for child development, physical health, and emotional well being. However, the outdoors can raise a lot of concerns for parents of little ones. Erin Cole, co-founder of Heartwood Nature Programs, says, “Some parents aren’t sure what to do with their babies and toddlers outside. Others are afraid their child could get sick or hurt. It can be overwhelming.” 

Fortunately, there are lots of easy activities that families with little ones can enjoy together. Cole, who leads a class for 1-3 year-olds, notes that outdoor play need not take a lot of time, energy or equipment. “Children are natural explorers. Parents can engage their children by talking about what they see, hear, smell, and feel. It’s a great way to cultivate kids’ natural sense of wonder.”

Try some of these simple activities:

• Use tummy time to explore different outdoor surfaces, like moss, grass, sand, even fallen leaves!
• Lay down under a tree and look up at the branches. During the fall or spring, you can shake the branch of the tree to create a shower of falling leaves or petals.
• Use sticks to bang on different surfaces, and note how the sound changes.
• Collect rocks and organize by size, shape or color, then build a rock tower.
• Look at footprints in snow or mud, and guess who created each print.

Before you go, remember:

• Dress appropriately for the weather.
• Having extra clothes on hand can help with wet or extra dirty adventures.
• Choose a shady spot, or use a hat to protect your baby from sunburn.
• Watch out for prickly plants, or animal waste before putting down your blanket.
• Check with your doctor before applying bug spray or sunscreen

Even our smallest children can enjoy time outside, boosting their health and building relationships.

Claire Robson lives outside of Seattle, where people never let poor weather stop their outdoor adventures. She lives with her husband, two children, and a very noisy dog.