NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY | First Saturday of Every Month
Fast Facts
- CELEBRATION
- A reminder for everyone to get outside and enjoy the fresh air through play.
- CELEBRATED
- The first Saturday of every month
- CREATOR
- Created in 2011 by Aaron Wiggans and Rhonda Abeyta
- VIBE
- Playful, healthful habits, family
NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY
The first Saturday of every month is National Play Outside Day. This National Day presents opportunity to remind everyone to get outside and enjoy the fresh air through play.
#PlayOutsideDay
All year long, we are given numerous opportunities to get outside and play. But sometimes, life, responsibilities, and distractions keep us from spending time in the fresh air as we should. National Play Outside Day is a reminder to stretch our legs and expend some energy in the great outdoors.
Why is playing outside so good for us? Besides getting us off the sofa or away from the desk, it also gives us an opportunity to explore our neighborhoods. While it's impossible to list all the benefits of outdoor play, we do have a few to share.
8 Benefits of Outdoor Play
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Playing outdoors is a freeing activity. It frees us from routines, enclosed spaces, and frames of mind.
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The outdoors fills us with energy. Whether it's the fresh air, sunshine, or physical activity, we perk up and become motivated to accomplish things.
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Playing outside clears the cobwebs from our brains. We sometimes get stuck on a topic, project, or issue and are unable to resolve it. A change of scene often brings clarity we didn't have before.
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Outdoor play provides terrific physical activity for our bodies. Our hearts pump fresh oxygen to our limbs and brains.
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Outdoor play increases wonder. We experience new sights and sounds. Children get to experience the world around them.
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As a social activity, playing outside encourages positive interactions.
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When you play outside every month, it becomes habit-forming - and this is one good habit to have!
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Playing stimulates the imagination and outdoor play almost has no boundaries. Your yard can be a kingdom or the playground can be a mountain to scale.
We've only scratched the surface of the benefits of outdoor play. There are so many more! So, be sure to get outside with the family on the first Saturday of every month - or even more often than that!
NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY CELEBRATION IDEAS
We know the seasons change, so what we were able to do outside last month will be different this month. However, that shouldn't stop you from celebrating the day. This is your monthly reminder that it's time to get outside and play. We have suggestions for every season that we're sure you'll enjoy!
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Visit your favorite state or national park to explore hiking trails, go camping, or fishing.
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Visit the local swimming pool or even take swimming lessons.
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Check out every park in your neighborhood and climb, slide, or swing on every playground set. You could also start a game of catch, kickball, tag, or Frisbee.
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Go to the beach and build a sandcastle, look for seashells, or take a swim in the water.
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Build a fort with whatever is handy or jump in a pile of leaves.
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Go sledding or build a snowman.
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Lay outside at night and identify the constellations at night and look for meteors.
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Find some fun activities in your community. You'll probably be surprised most are free to the public, too!
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Play in the backyard. Introduce some of the outdoor games you played as a child to your own children, run through the sprinkler, or fly a kite.
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Use #PlayOutsideDay to share you outdoor fun on social media.
NATIONAL PLAY OUTSIDE DAY HISTORY
In 2011, Aaron Wiggans and Rhonda D. Abeyta founded National Play Outside Day as a reminder to explore and play in the world outside. The day encourages healthful habits that will last a lifetime.