Do your kids spend the majority of their time glued to their tablet or TV screen instead of in the outdoors enjoying adventure experiences? We all know it’s not healthy for them, but it’s just the norm for kids these days so it can be really hard to break the habit. There is actually a lot of scientific evidence, however, that getting the kids to spend time outside, in places like an outdoor adventure park or exploring in the woods, has more benefits than we may think…
Their immune system will improve
Studies have confirmed that time spent surrounded by nature and wildlife has a positive impact on a child’s immune system. This can be a result of breathing in natural phytoncides that are in the air around forests and other wooded areas, which helps to increase the activity of natural killer cells. If your kids love challenging themselves, a tree top adventure course is a great place to take them to keep them active and help their immune systems at the same time. This first one is as good a reason as any to make sure your kids spend some time outside this season!
It will expand their social skills
Young people these days are often extremely confident when communicating with others over the internet or via text messages, but they can be less confident socialising face-to-face and when outside having adventure experiences. Getting them to spend time with one another – and making friends with other kids as well – at an outdoor adventure park is a great way to help develop their social skills and make them feel more comfortable in new situations.
It will reduce stress levels
Spending time outside is hugely relaxing for kids. They have the freedom to explore and enjoy a different environment to what they’re used to. If they’re having any problems with stress or have been feeling generally on edge, most children will find a day spent playing on a tree top adventure course or walking and discovering new places outside in the fresh air will act as a kind of remedy. A burst of fun and excitement in the outdoors will soothe their minds and take their thoughts away from whatever is causing them stress.
Their eyesight will feel the benefit
Especially in children, spending too much time indoors can have a negative impact on eyesight. The rate of short-sightedness has increased substantially in the last 50 years and a lot of the blame for this is being held on a lack of exposure to daylight. A recommended amount of time for young people to spend outside each week is 10 to 14 hours, so if you’re hoping to help prevent your child’s eyesight from weakening, make a conscious effort to put plans in place for some fun outdoor activities every week! A great place to start is taking your kids to adventure experiences such as high ropes courses, as this is exciting and won’t seem like a chore to them.
They’ll get more Vitamin D
It is very important for children to get a sufficient amount of Vitamin D, and spending time in an outdoor adventure park in the sunlight will help boost their intake. While you can get this vitamin into their systems through foods and supplements, sunlight is the most natural source. The health benefits of Vitamin D include strengthening their bones, preventing the development of diabetes and even helping to combat heart disease. All in all, it is vital you make sure your children are taking in as much Vitamin D as possible.
If you’re hoping to get your kids spending more time outside, why not bring them down to Aerial Extreme’s tree top adventure course? With speedy ziplines, challenging climbing walls and mid-air jumps to take on, it’s a unique experience that makes spending time outdoors fun for children of all ages. You’ll have no problem dragging them from their phone screens when they hear about the treetop adventures that await them, so book up today! There’s still time to take advantage of their summer offer, giving you 20% off all online bookings until the end of the school holidays.
Martin Wynn
