Outdoor and sports activities hold a great deal of importance when it comes to holistic development of children. Playgrounds and outdoor spaces are places where children’s expressions come in full swing, as they are able to run, jump, hide, shout, laugh and explore the natural world. They become even more important during early childhood years for young children as they go through a lot of developmental tasks. 

There is a great deal of importance  for sports and outdoor activities as they respond to children’s imagination and needs in a unique way by promoting learning and development outside. Some of the benefits that children reap from outdoor play and activities are as follows:

• Increased activity levels among children during outdoor activities lead to opportunities to enhance social skills and overcome hesitation.

• Leads to better mental health in terms of improved concentration, reduced stress levels, better moods, active personality etc.

• Helps develop fine motor skills and athletic abilities as they run, jump, climb, walk, with greater freedom.

• Improves physical health, muscle strength, better immune system as well as coordination, balance and agility.

• Has a lot of intellectual development benefits like brain development, improved communication skills etc.

• Develops a connection with nature, appreciation for the natural environment.

• Helps develop greater self-awareness among children as they observe the natural environment very closely.

• Increases the sense of independence among children.

• Exposure to sunlight is good for the body and brain and helps children in maintaining healthy sleep rhythms.

Outdoor play and activities provide a unique stimulus to children that captures their attention and interests. It offers countless possibilities for children to explore the natural elements like soil, trees, leaves, plants and flowers, sunlight, sticks, etc. Whether the child is 2 or 12, all outdoor activity is beneficial for them as sports and outdoor activity are an important part of children’s development. Therefore, along with acknowledging the time children spend in educational settings, it is equally important to integrate outdoor play activities as a part of their daily education.

The state-of-the-art infrastructure of Thakur International School (IGCSE & A Levels), Mumbai has diligently attended to this aspect of children’s development by providing them a huge range of indoor play activities as well as outdoor sports like Chess, Malkham, Gymnastic, Swimming, Karate, Running Track, Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis, Badminton, Cricket, Basketball and Football in their school campus. In fact, it is one of the few top Cambridge schools in Mumbai to provide the young minds to equally explore the opportunity to excel at sports and outdoor play, along with academics.

Time and again, medical science has proven the significance of outdoor activities for children. For an overall development of children and to make them more productive, active and healthy adults, it is important to build the foundation from an early age to equally indulge children in sports and outdoor play activities along with academic studies. So, encourage children for more outdoor play because Play or Exercise? – A child’s body doesn’t know the difference, but their mind tells them that they are having fun and for children that’s all that matters!