Getting outside with Children

5th August 2021

The importance of outdoor play & adventure

The importance of outdoor play & adventure for young children’s healthy development cannot be understated. Indeed, it is one element of life that is diminishing (though perhaps not, in the past year living in the throngs of a pandemic, where outdoor activity has been the only available thing to us for such a long time). We are living through the advancement in technology, which is an awesome thing. However, in the process of evolving through the modern age we risk losing habits and experiences that influence our quality of life. Finding the balance here could potentially be one of the greater challenges for our daily lives with an ever-busying society.

Educational settings have an important role to play here, and so do we, to preserve these experiences so closely linked to our wellbeing and our connection to the world around us. Opportunities to face risks, socialise with peers and adults, and connect with nature all benefit development and create fantastic childhood experiences, which hopefully lead to children adopting and promoting healthier lifestyles.

Outdoor adventures in our early years give us the opportunity to bolster self-esteem, curiosity, and motivation about learning, whilst also developing good socialisation skills.

We have selected 6 books to call out that we think are fabulous to help children get the best from the outdoors.

GROW FORAGE AND MAKE (KEW)

Over 30 fun, easy to follow and rewarding growing projects, foraging activities, experiments, and arts and crafts activities for kids to enjoy. You don't need a garden or any fancy equipment - a homemade pot and watering can, seeds from the kitchen cupboard and a sunny windowsill will do. With Alys's expert guidance you can grow your own avocado tree, make wildflower seed paper, forage for tasty roots to add to your favourite recipes and even grow neon pink beetroot in the dark.

Search our website using B-Code: B054256 or click on the image to take you straight there.

FOREST SCHOOL ADVENTURE

Learn how to light a fire without matches, build a shelter to sleep in, cook on a fire, hunt for bugs and much more. From essential bushcraft basics and Stone Age survival skills to joyful outdoor play, this book is packed with ideas to bring your little ones closer to nature and all its magical offerings.

Search our website using B-Code: B035462 or click on the image to take you straight there.

USBORNE OUTDOOR BOOK

Full of excellent outdoor activities to try out in parks, fields, campsites, gardens - in fact, just about anywhere without a roof - this book will encourage boys and girls to switch off their gadgets and discover the natural world for themselves.

Search our website using B-Code:B025399 or click on the image to take you straight there.

101 THINGS FOR KIDS TO DO OUTSIDE

This huge selection of ideas covers all four seasons and ranges from quick 10-minute activities to a full day of fun. From party games and treasure hunts to simple gardening projects, each idea is simple to follow and illustrated with colour photography, so you can't go wrong!

Search our website using B-Code: B012773 or click on the image to take you straight to it.

YOU CAN HAVE AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

Get active, get outdoors and get adventurous! Always dreaming about your next great adventure? This book is what you need to plan your expedition into the great outdoors in no time at all. It’s easy to understand and tells you exactly what you need to know step-by-step. Includes easy-peasy tips on how to prepare, what to bring and how to make the most of your time outdoors, as well as space to scribble, make notes, keep track of what you have accomplished and make the book your own.

Search our website using B-Code: B050884 or click on the image to take you straight there.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURE HANDBOOK (RHS)

This beautifully illustrated book is packed full of fun activities, handy tips and nature facts to encourage children to explore the wonderful world around them. Make a wilderness compass, grow your own herb garden, build a tepee, learn how to read a map, and much more. Each page is filled with inspiring ideas for discovering and exploring plants and wildlife, with exciting activities for all weathers.

Search our website using B-Code: B054500