Blog

Now that the days are longer and full of more sunshine, we thought it was time to highlight the important role that spending time in nature plays in your child’s mental and physical development.

Read on for our top 5 reason why your child needs more time outside. We’ve also included some of the Kidz Therapy team’s favourite outdoor family activities.

Get your daily dose of vitamin D

Studies show that most of us are deficient in Vitamin D ¹. Vitamin D is essential to a healthy body. It helps you absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus (both important for bone building in growing bodies), control infections and reduce inflammation. The best natural form of Vitamin D comes from the sun. 

Outdoors time = no screen time

Most parents today face an everyday battle to limit screen time for their children. If you can get your kids outdoors and engaged in nature, this is automatically time away from a screen and social media. A win – win situation! 

Spending time in nature is a basic human need

Spending time in nature is a basic physiological need ². Nature has positive impacts on all aspects of children’s health including physical, mental and social wellbeing. Many researchers agree that children who play outside are happier and less anxious than kids who spend more time indoors.

Nature helps children learn about the world

Most kids are naturally curious. Spending time in nature encourages children to explore and learn about the world around them. A trip to the local park can introduce your child to new plants, animals and experiences.

Get outdoors and get moving

Worldwide, obesity is a growing issue. Here in Aotearoa, the New Zealand Health Survey 2020/21 found that around 1 in 8 children (2 – 14 years old) were classified as obese. This is an increase of 9.5% from 2019/20.

If you’re looking for ways to get your kids moving, get them outside, it could be your backyard, a walk around the neighbourhood or an adventure to the park.

Kidz Therapy Director Marie Kelly is a big believer in getting kids outside as much as possible, she says:

"I think going to local parks and letting the kids climb trees, swish leaves, and jump in puddles fosters wellbeing and resilience. And that can be a lot more satisfying than a structured class,” she says. “The key is finding something physical the child likes to do – it could be walking to the shops or the library, chasing a ball or beach fossicking. The goal should be to provide exercise with a common sense approach”.

Ideas for outside play

Here are some of our top picks for outdoor activities this summer, we’ve included a range of options to get you started on your outdoor family adventures.

Potters Park

Located centrally in Mt Eden, this park boasts Auckland’s first splash pad as well as a playground, basketball court and learn to ride track. It’s is incredibly popular on sunny days.

Western Springs

Western Springs has a large lake and is home to many swans, ducks, geese, eels and other wildlife. There is also an excellent new playground.

Takapuna Beach

Takapuna Beach has something for everyone, the beach, rockpools, a playground and a large reserve. Plus, its close to the Takapuna cafes for your coffee fix.

Parnell Pools

Only open during the summer months, Parnell Baths is an excellent option for a family day out. It features a 60m salt water lane pool, spa pools, aqua playground and a toddlers pool. It’s also free for kids aged 16 and younger.

Auckland Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens is home to over 10,000 plants from around the world and regularly runs free family activities. Make sure you check out the Potter Children’s Garden while you’re there.

Auckland Zoo

An old favourite for the whole family, the Auckland Zoo has recently opened it’s new South East Asia Jungle Track.

Tree Adventures

For those who want a bit more of an adrenaline boost, try Tree Adventures. There are 10 different courses that cater to all ages and experience levels.

If you want more ideas for outdoor family activities, Auckland for Kids has a very comprehensive guide to the best playgrounds across the Auckland region. And make sure you check out Urban List. They spoke to park rangers to find out the best Auckland parks for picnics, walking, watching the sun set and getting back to nature.

References

1: Nature in our lives: Examining the human need for nature relatedness as a basic psychological need

Hurly, Jane; Walker, Gordon J.Journal of Leisure Research; Urbana Vol. 50, Iss. 4,  (2019): 290-310. DOI:10.1080/00222216.2019.1578939

2: Mental health benefits of interactions with nature in children and teenagers: a systematic review

Tillmann, Suzanne; Tobin, Danielle; Avison, William; Gilliland, Jason.Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health; London Vol. 72, Iss. 10,  (Oct 2018): 958. DOI:10.1136/jech-2018-210436-meta-analysis