Outdoor Playgroup: 7 Reasons to Start One!

There are many benefits to getting kids outside, most of which you can imagine without me listing them. Did you know that playing with dirt improves healthiness and happiness, though (1)! WHAT! Tell that to my inner germophobe and messophobe.

The National Wildlife Federation produced a report called The Dirt on Dirt: How Getting Dirty Outdoors Benefits Kids (2). When kids play in the dirt they are exposed to healthy bacteria, parasites and viruses that build their immune system. Best of all, playing with dirt improves children’s mood and reduces stress/anxiety (2).

We know that nature is good for our kids, but how can we stay motivated and consistent about providing unstructured outdoor play? Especially in less than ideal weather? I’ve listed seven benefits of starting or joining an outdoor playgroup.

Fascinating Find photo by Lorraine Dolbear

7 Reasons To Start/Join An Outdoor Playgroup

Accountability

When you have some friends to meet up with, you’re much more likely to stick to your plans. Schedule some outdoor play dates or join an outdoor play group to keep yourself motivated. If the weather is less than ideal you’ll feel bad cancelling, so just make sure you have weather appropriate gear and get out there! Your kids will learn about nature in all of its glory and will be better for it.

Kids Are More Engaged

Just like parents, kids are more excited to share the nature experience with peers. I’ve recently helped run two trial outdoor play groups. We arrived first to the second play group and my daughter in particular was cold and wanted to leave. When she got snow pants on and some friends arrived she was excited to run around and explore.

Location/Activity Ideas

By teaming up with other parents you can pool your collective knowledge of good spots to explore outdoors and fun ideas to try with kids.

Build On Each Other’s Knowledge

One of the best things about playing in nature with a group is that everyone has unique knowledge and experiences to share. There is something really special about watching another adult teach your child how to navigate nature.

A Nature Activity For The Calendar

Our kids are always absorbing their environment. They see everything we do, and they want to be just like us. When we choose activities for our young kids to get involved with, we are conveying a message about what we think is important. I do believe that most activities available to kids/families are useful in building lifelong skills. The benefit of having an outdoors group is that it shows our kids that we value time in nature.

Raise Money For Local Wildlife Groups

An outdoor play group does not cost much money to run. Therefore, families who want to contribute money to the experience can donate to local wildlife preservation groups. These groups do important work that will benefit our environment long-term.

It’s Fun For Parents To Socialize, Too!

Last but not least, it’s just more fun to explore nature in a group. Don’t get me wrong, I highly encourage going on nature adventures alone. It’s just way more fun in a group. It’s nice to talk with other parents, discuss challenges and successes, and see that our kids strengths + weaknesses are normal.