National Play Outside Day 2024: Quotes & Ideas to Celebrate

National Play Outside Day is observed annually on the first Saturday of February. For 2024, it falls on February 4th. This holiday was created in 2015 to encourage kids and families to turn off screens and make playing outside a priority.

Getting active outdoors provides many benefits for physical and mental health. However, trends show kids are spending less time playing outside than past generations due to increased technology use and busy schedules. National Play Outside Day serves as a reminder to make outdoor play a daily habit.

This article will provide key information on National Play Outside Day including its history, importance, quotes, activities, and ways to celebrate in 2024.

History and Creation of National Play Outside Day

National Play Outside Day was launched in 2015 by the Outdoor Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to getting more people outside.

Studies were showing a reduction in outdoor and unstructured play among youth. The Outdoor Foundation saw this as a major concern for the health and development of children. Lack of physical activity has been linked to increased obesity, anxiety, depression, and attention disorders in kids.

To promote the benefits of outdoor play, the Outdoor Foundation established National Play Outside Day. The goal was to set aside one day each year to motivate families across the U.S. to enjoy outdoor activities together.

Over the past years, National Play Outside Day has continued to gain support. Schools, youth organizations, and parks departments now promote the holiday and organize special outdoor events. The long-term mission is to make active outdoor play an everyday habit again.

Why is unstructured outdoor play important for kids?

Outdoor play provides a wide range of developmental benefits for children including:

• Physical exercise to build strength, balance, coordination
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Increased focus and concentration
• Boosts imagination and creativity
• Social skills from interactive play
• Appreciation of nature
• Risk-taking in safe environments
• Independent thinking and problem-solving

Play also allows kids to set their own goals rather than following structured rules. This promotes greater resilience, self-confidence, and executive functioning. National Play Outside Day acts as a reminder for parents and educators to ensure outdoor play time is part of each child’s routine.

Quotes About Playing Outside for National Play Outside Day

Many famous figures throughout history have spoken about the importance of being active and playing outside in nature:

“Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life.” – John Muir

“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” – Diane Ackerman

“Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” – John Muir

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.” – Rachel Carson

“Go outside and play. Pretty please.” – Winnie the Pooh

These quotes remind us to let kids explore, appreciate nature, and experience the joys of outdoor play each day. The following section provides specific ideas for celebrating National Play Outside Day.

How to Celebrate National Play Outside Day in 2024

There are endless fun ways for kids and families to spend quality time playing outside on National Play Outside Day. Here are activity ideas to try:

Outdoor Games

• Classic games like tag, hide and seek, hopscotch, jump rope
• Obstacle courses
• Nature scavenger hunts
• Outdoor twister
• Lawn bowling or croquet
• Water balloon toss

Sports and Adventure

• Take a family bike ride
• Play basketball, soccer, volleyball at a park
• Go for a hike or nature walk
• Try outdoor climbing wall
• Picnic in new outdoor location

Get Creative

• Build and play in snow forts
• Make leaf or snow art
• Create sidewalk chalk masterpieces
• Plant a garden
• Paint kind rocks and leave around neighborhood
• Do nature rubbing art

Other fun ideas include having an outdoor dance party, camping in the backyard, flying kites, splash pad trip, outdoor movie night, or family carnival day.

Get kids involved in planning activities and treats to make the day extra special. The goal is to spark excitement and build happy memories so outdoor play becomes a daily habit.

National Play Outside Day Activities By Age

The type of outdoor activities kids will enjoy varies by age. Here are top National Play Outside Day ideas tailored for different age groups:

Toddlers (Ages 1-3)

• Play with bubbles, balls, frisbees
• Dig in sandbox
• Go on short nature walks
• Splash in puddles
• Swing at playground
• Help water plants outside

Preschoolers (Ages 3-5)

• Ride tricycle on paths
• Play follow the leader
• Go on scavenger hunt
• Create nature collages
• Play in water table
• Fly kite

Grade School (Ages 6-10)

• Ride bikes together
• Play games like hopscotch
• Have a basketball game
• Do relay races
• Climb at playground
• Go on hike and look for animals

Tweens and Teens (Ages 10-18)

• Play ultimate frisbee
• Have a volleyball tournament
• Do a geocaching adventure
• Ride bikes on new trails
• Have a dance party outside
• Play flashlight tag at night

Encourage kids to come up with their own outdoor games and activities too. Giving them ownership makes it more exciting.

Top Tips for Celebrating National Play Outside Day

Here are some key tips to get the most out of this special holiday:

• Set aside at least 2-3 hours for outdoor time as a family. Make it a priority over chores, errands, etc.
• Get kids involved in planning activities, snacks, music to build excitement.
• Try a new location like a park you’ve never visited or trail you haven’t hiked before. Discover new favorites.
• Unplug completely. Leave cell phones and other devices inside so you can focus on interacting and enjoying nature.
• Prep with snacks, water, sunscreen and other supplies you’ll need for the day’s adventures. Check the weather forecast to plan appropriately.
• Take pictures and videos to remember the fun family day. Look back on these to inspire more future outdoor play.
• Make it an annual tradition to reinforce outdoor play on this day each year and set healthy habits.

The key is keeping the activities simple, fun and focused on spending quality time together as a family. National Play Outside Day is the perfect opportunity to start new traditions that benefit kids mentally and physically.

Conclusion

In conclusion, National Play Outside Day on February 4th provides a great reminder for families to make outdoor play a priority. This holiday was created to motivate kids and adults to turn off technology and enjoy the many benefits of active play and connecting with nature.

There are endless fun activities families can choose from to celebrate the day based on kids’ different interests and age levels. Whether going for a bike ride, playing sports games, creating art in nature or just free play, the goal is to spark joy and build habits to continue playing outside daily. Planning special snacks, trying new locations and focusing on quality time spent unplugged outside will lead to a memorable National Play Outside Day.

Frequently Asked Questions About National Play Outside Day

1. When is National Play Outside Day?

National Play Outside Day is always held on the first Saturday of February each year. In 2024, it falls on February 4th.

2. Who created National Play Outside Day?

This holiday was launched in 2015 by the Outdoor Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to getting more people outside.

3. What are the benefits of outdoor play for kids?

Outdoor play provides physical exercise, reduces stress, boosts focus, builds imagination and social skills, connects kids to nature, and promotes problem-solving and self-confidence through independent play.

4. Should electronics be allowed on National Play Outside Day?

It is recommended to completely unplug from all technology and leave devices inside for the day. This allows fuller immersion in the outdoor experience.

5. What supplies do families need for National Play Outside Day?

Handy supplies include sunscreen, layers of warm clothing, sturdy shoes, snacks/water, balls, bubbles, frisbees, sidewalk chalk, and any other activity props suited for the planned fun. Checking the weather and packing appropriately is key.

6. How can parents encourage daily outdoor play after National Play Outside Day?

Parents can set minimum daily time limits for tech use, plan and facilitate regular outdoor family activities, show enthusiasm for outdoor play, explore new nature spots as a family, set up outdoor play spaces at home, and encourage independent outdoor play time with friends. Making outdoor play a daily habit takes commitment, but the long-term benefits for kids are immense.