The Benefits of Playing in the Rain

Playing in the rain is great for children. So, when the sky turns and droplets start to fall don’t bundle children indoors, let them enjoy the experience and continue playing out in the rain.

Of course, I’m not suggesting you let them get soaked and poorly as a result! If it’s really coming down or if there’s a bitter storm, it’s better to keep playtime indoors. But, a little light rain and some playing in the wet can actually be really good for children’s physical and mental development.

We all know how much children benefit from outdoor play in all weathers and seasons, so whether it’s the height of summer or a frosty winter, head to your local playground.

BENEFITS OF PLAYING IN THE RAIN

There are lots of benefits for allowing children to continue playing in the rain. Just make sure they’ve got their waterproof coats and shoes on, and there’s a warm towel (or even a bath!) waiting for them when they come back inside. It’s really important to keep children warm while they enjoy the rain to keep them fit and healthy.

PROVIDES NEW EXPERIENCES

Playing in the rain gives children experiences they might never had before. If their only experience of water play is from the tap or bathroom they won’t have a good understanding of where our natural resources come from.

Mud kitchens are fantastic for use in the rain, and for getting children interacting with new materials and textures. Plus, as the rain keeps coming down, you won’t need to worry about wiping your mud kitchen clean after use!

HELPS THEM MAKE CHOICES ABOUT THEIR SAFETY

Letting children respond to the rain and nature helps them to understand what is and isn’t safe. They’ll get an understanding of the difference between a light drizzle and a torrential thunderstorm.

Children will experience for themselves how slippery a wet surface can be, and how rain changes how well they can see. Managed properly, risky outdoor play has lots of benefits.

RESPONSIBILITY

Being out in the rain also teaches them a little individual responsibility. They’ll learn to move items that might get ruined in the rain somewhere dry, and discover the importance of hanging wet clothes to dry.

BALANCE, STRENGTH AND AGILITY

Moving about on wet surfaces takes more concentration, strength and agility. As children play in the rain, they’re developing their bodies and are able to grow more confident in their movements. Playground surfacing is also designed to be slip resistant and prevent serious injury following a fall, so playgrounds are a safe space for children to learn.

ENHANCES THEIR SENSORY EXPERIENCES

A wet day and a dry day have very different sounds, smells and sights. Keeping children inside when it’s raining limits their experience of the world. There’s so much joy to be had listening to the splash a puddle makes when it’s jumped in.

New wildlife comes out in the rain for children to see, and things smell and feel different when it’s raining. Engaging the senses is so important.

So, don’t keep children cooped up inside just because there’s a little rain. Get the wellies on and they’re R3ADY TO PLAY!