Benefits of Playing Outdoor Games & Exercising Outside

As the world gets more sources for indoor entertainment (TVs, video games, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon delivery services), playing outdoor is becoming less and less frequent. As I was growing up, exercising outside and playing outdoors was a way of life.

My friends and I played basketball in my driveway, football in the street, baseball at the park, and other outdoor games anywhere we could.

To this day, I still enjoy spending my free time walking with my wife and son and exercising outdoors whenever possible.

Recent studies have consistently shown that almost half of preschool-age children don’t get enough time to play outside.

In addition, some children rarely get the chance to play outside at all!

Research also revealed that this disturbing trend has several consequences. For example, people who spend less time playing outdoors are at a higher risk of getting obesity, type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, anxiety disorders, depression, and attention deficit disorder.

This is a problem for children, but it’s a problem for adults as well.

Training inside is the norm in fitness communities, but outdoor training can be just as effective, and it comes with a variety of other benefits as well.

If you want to look your best and feel as healthy as possible, exercising outside or playing outdoor games can go a long way in helping you achieve your goals.

If you are a fitness enthusiast, you may find that exercising outdoors can help you feel a lot fresher and fitter.

As an adult, outdoor play tends to help you feel more energized and imaginative. Likewise, growing children need outdoor play to stimulate their minds and keep them in shape.

Playing and exercising outside is one of the best things you can do for your health. So, gather your best outdoor gear and get going!

Here are a few amazing benefits of exercising outdoors and playing outdoor games:

What Are Outdoor Games?

Outdoor games encompass a wide variety of physical activities played in open environments, typically taking advantage of natural settings to encourage physical movement and social interaction.

These games range from structured sports like soccer, basketball, and tennis to casual recreational activities such as tag, hide-and-seek, and Frisbee.

Unlike indoor or digital-based games, outdoor games promote physical engagement with one’s surroundings, integrating the mental and physical benefits of movement with the advantages of fresh air and sunlight.

Additionally, outdoor games can be tailored for people of all ages, offering flexible and accessible options for fitness, enjoyment, and social bonding.

Engaging in outdoor games not only stimulates physical fitness but also fosters cognitive skills, coordination, and teamwork abilities.

Activities in natural settings can enhance sensory experiences and encourage creative thinking, as players adapt to varying terrains and conditions.

For many, the unique combination of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and emotional satisfaction makes outdoor games a holistic way to enhance well-being, offering benefits that go beyond what traditional indoor or sedentary activities can provide.

Top 5 Health Benefits of Playing Outside Games

Playing outside offers more than just a chance to have fun; it provides a wealth of physical, mental, and emotional benefits that support overall health and well-being. From boosting immunity to improving mental health, outdoor activities harness the advantages of fresh air, natural light, and exposure to dynamic environments.

These benefits are particularly impactful in a world where many individuals spend their days indoors, seated in front of screens.

Stepping outside for physical activities not only enhances physical fitness but also encourages deeper connections with nature, promoting a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Below are some of the top health benefits associated with playing and exercising outdoors.

1.) Helps You Develop a Strong Immune System

Studies suggest that people who spend ample time outdoors may have more resilient immune systems compared to those who primarily stay indoors, as the body learns to respond to a variety of external stimuli (Park, 2015).

Spending time in natural settings exposes the body to a range of environmental elements, helping to develop a more robust immune response.

This principle extends to both adults and children adults, as regular exposure to fresh air, varying temperatures, and natural microbes in outdoor environments can help the body adapt, creating a stronger defense against illnesses.

By playing or exercising outside, you engage your immune system in a dynamic, natural way that can fortify long-term health.

2.) Improves Mental Health

The mental health benefits of outdoor activities are well-documented, especially as cases of anxiety and depression have become increasingly common in children and adults.

Exposure to fresh air, sunlight, and green spaces has been shown to reduce stress, alleviate symptoms of depression, and boost cognitive performance (Pearson & Craig, 2014).

Outdoor exercise also provides the body with vitamin D from sunlight, an essential nutrient for brain health and mood regulation.

One of the best health tips for summer is exercising outdoors and getting natural vitamin D from the sun.

For a more holistic approach to mental health, incorporating regular outdoor exercise offers a natural, accessible way to support emotional resilience.

3.) Can Improve Eyesight

Spending too much time on screens or reading indoors has been linked to an increase in myopia (nearsightedness), particularly in children.

Natural sunlight and diverse visual stimuli outdoors are beneficial for eye health, as they encourage the eyes to focus at varying distances, reducing the risk of vision issues.

Studies reveal a strong association between outdoor playtime and reduced incidence of myopia in children, suggesting that exposure to natural light can help prevent the onset of nearsightedness (Rose et al., 2008).

Unlike artificial indoor lighting, natural light is gentler on the eyes and is a good way to help maintain healthy vision.

Encouraging outdoor activities in childhood can have lasting benefits for eyesight into adulthood.

4.) Real-Life Functional Training

Outdoor activities like golfing, hiking, kayaking, rock climbing, and trail running build functional strength and endurance in ways that directly translate to everyday life.

Unlike structured gym exercises, these outdoor workouts often involve uneven terrain, unpredictable weather, and varied physical challenges that enhance real-world capabilities.

Training outside also involves more natural and dynamic movements, such as walking on trails or climbing steep hills, which improve balance, coordination, and strength in practical ways.

Activities such as rock climbing, trail running, hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking are outdoor workouts that will improve your physique and help your body improve at real-world tasks!

Studies have shown that people who regularly walk more than 10,000 steps per day experience better cardiovascular health, lower body fat, and increased longevity (Ungvari et al., 2023).

Outdoor sports and physical activities contribute to a stronger, more adaptable physique that’s capable of handling daily demands.

5.) Experience a Dynamic Environment

One of the most unique aspects of outdoor exercise is the ever-changing environment, which prevents monotony and stimulates the senses. Exploring new areas, meeting different people, or simply noticing seasonal changes keeps the mind engaged and the experience refreshing.

Exercising outside exposes individuals to diverse scenery and landscapes, which has been shown to enhance mood and reduce perceived exertion during physical activities.

Connecting with nature, especially in our increasingly digital world, offers a profound psychological benefit, grounding individuals and providing a refreshing break from technology.

This sense of discovery and variety can make outdoor workouts not only more enjoyable but also more sustainable as part of a long-term fitness routine.

Final Thoughts: Is Outdoor Exercise Right for You?

Outdoor exercise offers an engaging, dynamic way to stay active, whether through traditional activities like walking and running or by exploring creative outdoor games.

These activities are not only fun but also effective at boosting physical fitness, enhancing mental health, and improving emotional well-being for people of all ages.

For children especially, team fitness activities and structured fitness classes in an outdoor setting can provide valuable opportunities to develop social skills, cooperation, and resilience.

Outdoor games encourage problem-solving and creativity, helping children build essential cognitive skills that translate to better classroom performance.

Many adults fondly remember the outdoor play of their childhoods and recognize the lasting benefits these activities brought to their physical, intellectual, and social development.

By incorporating outdoor games, team-based fitness, and exercise into daily routines, families can support the health and fitness of children while fostering a love for active living that continues into adulthood.

Playing outdoor games and exercising outside is a great way to get fit and healthy for children and adults.