Why Outside Play Is Great for Your Children

Why Outside Play Is Great for Your Children’s Health & Well-being 

Beat the Cold with Our Fun Winter Family Activities 

Outdoor activities are just as essential as indoor play for your child’s emotional, social and personal well-being. So, while the weather may be cold, that doesn't mean kids have to be cooped up indoors all winter!

A warm coat, hat, gloves, wellies and sensible clothing will do the trick. Grab what you can - for you and your child - and head to Stockeld Park as Winter Weekends are back! In this blog, you’ll learn about the benefits of outdoor play and what’s on at Stockeld.

The Benefits of Outdoor Play

1 - Boosts Vitamin D Levels

Our bodies need vitamin D to help grow healthy, strong bones, improve our immune system and prevent rickets. While sunny weather seems non-existent, ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are constant throughout the year, meaning outdoor play can’t go amiss! 

Sun exposure improves our vitamin D levels, along with our mood, which often dips as the days become darker. 

2 - Gets You Moving

Children need an hour of exercise daily, and what better way to do it than outdoors? While indoor play is still great for keeping them active, spending time outdoors is a great way to get some well-needed fresh air. 

Stockeld Park has plenty of areas to walk, run and climb about. The Enchanted Forest and our five playgrounds will keep your kids active for hours. 

3 - Creates a Love for Nature

The world is increasingly digital - so why not take a break from technology and immerse yourself in nature? Your child will come to appreciate the natural world - whether by strolling in enchanted woods, digging in sandpits or seeing woodland animals scurry about. 

Outdoor play will help separate your kids from their screens and focus on what truly matters. 

4 - Grows Confidence & Social Skills 

Playing outdoors encourages children to explore new environments and challenge themselves (under adult supervision!), which can help them learn and grow

They’ll learn to be independent as they tackle new activities and take turns sharing, talking and problem-solving with other kids. Not only will this boost self-esteem, but it will also build their social development, which is crucial in the early years. 

What’s on During Winter Weekends? 

• Enchanted Forest - Let your kid’s imagination run wild with our fantasy world of immersive play and magical storytelling. There’s almost a mile of hidden adventure to explore! 
• Outdoor Playgrounds - We have zip wires, monster swings, climbing nets, tunnels and epic slides waiting to be tackled!
• The Flying Stocksman - It’s time to come aboard the Flying Stocksman - the newest addition to Stockeld Park. Our land train ride starts at Stockeldbury Station and goes through the Enchanted Forest. 
• Magical Maze - Secret objects, musical instruments, unexpected obstacles and mind-boggling pathways - what more could you want? 
• Ice Skating - Our rink is open till February 23rd, so come along and ice skate for as long as you like. 
• Playhive - Once you have finished outside, why not explore our indoor play area? The Playhive has over four interconnected worlds of fun!

Our Winter Weekend activities run between January 1st to March 30th, 2025. Between the 15th and 23rd of February, we’re holding February half-term activities for all to enjoy! We are open every day during the half term and then every weekend after. 

Book Your Ticket Today! 

It’s time to go out and play! Book your Winter Weekend ticket now or get a Winter Membership for unlimited access until March.