The Benefits of Physical Play in Early Years

Did you know the average Aussie child spends over 2 hours a day glued to screens, but less than an hour playing outside? It’s no wonder we’re hearing parents worry about how to get their kids off the couch and into the great outdoors. 

Childhood used to mean scraped knees, climbing trees, and racing bikes until the streetlights came on. But in today’s fast-paced, tech-filled world, physical play is often taking a backseat. And yet, it’s exactly what growing bodies and minds need to thrive. 

So what are the benefits of physical play in the early years? Let’s find out. 

Why physical play matters in those early years

Physical play isn’t just about burning energy (though that’s a bonus!). It’s a vital part of early childhood development, helping kids grow stronger, smarter, and more confident. 

But what is physical play? It’s all those active moments where kids are on the move – climbing, swinging, running, or balancing. These activities challenge their muscles, sharpen coordination, and build a sense of adventure. 

The early years are a supercharged growth phase. Physical play helps develop:

  • Gross motor skills like balance and strength.

  • Fine motor skills like grip and hand-eye coordination. 

  • Cognitive and emotional skills, including problem-solving and resilience. 

And let’s not forget the magic of free play! When kids create their own games and conquer challenges, they’re learning independence, creativity, and self-confidence - all while having a blast. 

Whether it’s swinging like monkeys or racing their mates, physical play in the early years sets the stage for a lifetime of health and happiness. 

Physical development benefits

Physical play is like a secret workout disguised as fun – it gets kids moving, growing, and thriving. Here’s how it works its magic:

  • Gross and fine motor skills: Climbing, swinging, and jumping aren’t just fun – they’re essential for building coordination, strength, and balance. Whether it’s gripping a monkey bar or balancing on a beam, these activities refine both big and small movements, setting kids up for skills they’ll use every day. 

  • Healthy growth: Active play supports growing bodies in every way. It strengthens muscles, builds bone density, and even keep their hearts healthy by boosting cardiovascular fitness. Plus, all that movement helps kids sleep better and feel more energised. 

  • Reducing obesity: With childhood obesity on the rise, physical play is more important than ever. It keeps kids active, burns energy, and helps maintain a healthy weight – all while they’re having a blast in the backyard or at the park. 

Encouraging physical play isn’t just about today’s fun – it’s about giving your kids a strong, healthy foundation for the future. 

 

Cognitive and emotional development

Physical play doesn’t just build strong bodies – it supercharges little minds and helps kids grow emotionally, too. 

  • Brain-boosting benefits: When kids are active, their brains light up! Activities like climbing, balancing, and problem-solving during play help improve focus, boost memory, and spark creativity. Ever seen a child turn a climbing frame into a pirate ship? That’s their imagination and critical thinking in action! 

  • Emotional regulation: Running, swinging, and jumping aren’t just fun – they’re also amazing stress busters. Physical play helps kids release pent-up energy, manage big emotions, and build resilience. Tackling a tricky climb or mastering a new skill teaches them how to handle challenges and bounce back from frustration. 

  • Social skills: Group play is a powerful teacher. Whether they’re teaming up to create a game or taking turns on the swing, kids learn cooperation, communication, and empathy. These moments of connection help them build relationships and navigate social situations with confidence. 

By combining movement, imagination, and interaction, physical play sets the stage for well-rounded development – helping kids grow into confident, creative, and emotionally balanced individuals.

Building life-long habits

Physical play in the early years in the early years isn’t just about having fun in the moment – it’s about planting the seeds for healthy, active habits that last a lifetime. 

  • Love for movement: When kids grow up climbing, swinging, and running, they develop a natural love for being active. It’s not just about exercise – it’s about discovering how much joy can come from movement. This early exposure helps set them on a path toward a lifelong passion for fitness, outdoor adventures, and a healthy lifestyle. 

  • Confidence and independence: There’s nothing quite like the look on a child’s face when they conquer a tricky climb or finally swing all the way across the monkey bars. These moments of achievement boost self-esteem and teach kids they’re capable of tackling challenges. With each new skill mastered, they build confidence and a ‘can-do’ attitude that will carry them through life. 

 

Outdoor play vs. indoor play

When it comes to physical play, taking it outdoors adds an extra layer of magic. Here’s why kids thrive in the great outdoors compared to being inside. 

  • Fresh air and sunlight: Playing outside means kids are soaking up all the benefits of fresh air and Vitamin D, which are essential for healthy bones, strong immune systems, and overall wellbeing. Plus, nothing beats the energising feeling of sunshine and the freedom of an open sky! 

  • Unstructured environments: Outdoor spaces, whether your backyard or the local park, encourage exploration and creativity. Kids can turn a patch of grass into a jungle, a climbing frame into a castle, or a tree into their secret hideout. Nature sparks imagination in ways four walls simply can’t. 

  • More room to move: Indoors can feel a bit cramped for kids with boundless energy. Outside, they can run further, climb higher, and let loose without worrying about knocking over a lamp or hitting the ceiling!

  • Encouraging risk: Outdoor play often involves healthy risks, like climbing a little higher or trying something new. These challenges build resilience, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence. 

While indoor play has its place, the open-ended possibilities of outdoor play give kids the space and inspiration to grow, learn, and explore in ways that stick with them for life. 

How to encourage physical play even when things are a bit tricky

Modern life can make it pretty hard sometimes to prioritise physical play, but with a few simple strategies, it’s easier than you think. Here are the most common challenges we hear!

Kids want more screen time? In a world full of tablets and TV shows, getting kids to unplug can feel like a battle. Start by setting limits on screen use and creating screen-free zones or times, like during meals or before bed. Replace tech time with fun, active alternatives – turn backyard play into an adventure with outdoor climbing frames or make a game of racing around the park.  

Busy schedules? Between work, school, sporting activities, or any other hobbies, fitting in playtime can seem impossible. The trick? Keep it simple. Encourage active play during natural breaks, like before dinner or after school, and opt for quick, no-fuss activities. A 15-minute backyard obstacle course or a quick game of tag can make a big difference without taking up too much time. 

Space constraints? Not everyone has a sprawling backyard, but that doesn’t mean active play is out of reach. Modular play equipment can be tailored to fit smaller spaces, offering big play opportunities even in compact yards. Vertical setups, foldable designs, or shared community spaces are great solutions for families working with limited room. 

How to encourage physical play in the early years

It’s easier than you think! Here are some quick tips to get you started. 

  • Keep it fun: Start with simple activities like dancing, ball games, or ‘Simon Says’ to make movement exciting and enjoyable. 

  • Use what’s around: Everyday items like cushions or chalk can spark active play, and local parks are perfect for climbing, swinging, and running. 

  • Lead by example: Join in the fun! When kids see you climbing or running, they’ll want to follow your lead. 

  • Make it routine: Add movement to daily life, like scooting to school or turning clean-up time into a race. 

  • Add play equipment: Modular setups like Funky Monkey Bars grow with your child and keep play fresh for years! 

Ready to spark active play in your backyard?

Physical play in the early years is the gift that keeps on giving – building strong bodies, curious minds, and happy hearts! At Funky Monkey Bars, we’re here to help you create a world of adventure, right in your backyard. 

With our modular, durable, and Australian-made play equipment, you can encourage hours of climbing, swinging, and exploring – all while making memories that last a lifetime.

Browse our range today and discover how easy it is to bring the joy of physical play to your family. Let’s get those little monkeys moving! 🐒

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