Nature and outdoor play are important to children’s development intellectually, emotionally, socially, spiritually and physically. Dr Stephen R. Kellert of Yale University says that “play in nature, particularly during the critical period of middle childhood, appears to be an especially important time for developing the capacities for creativity, problem-solving, and emotional and intellectual development.” A literature review "A World Without Play" (revised in 2012 by Gleave & Cole-Hamilton) highlights the importance of outdoor play, for increased physical activity as well as other positive outcomes, such as opportunities to understand the natural world.
The National Trust recognises that there's nothing quite like fresh air, exercise and family time in the great outdoors to create memories to last a lifetime. Its "50 Things To Do Before You're 11 3/4" encourages younger kids "to get mucky, discover their wild side and most of all enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer!"
The long school summer holidays are well under way but there's still a month (or so) left until the start of the new academic year. "I'm bored" is a familiar complaint in households up and down the land, but it seems as if the more children have the less they are necessarily able to enjoy the simple outdoor activities that used to keep us gainfully and happily occupied for weeks on end. Mindful of this, Dawn Isaac has written 101 Things for Kids to Do Outside (published by Kyle Books @ £14.99) aimed at "couch potato children (and parents) who need an incentive to venture outside and breathe in huge lungfuls of healthy fresh air."
There are 101 activities (games, projects, crafts, experiments and gardening inspiration) to entice families outside throughout the year. Here's one to start you off this summer (to which we will be adding, on a weekly basis, as the summer holidays progress):
Take the matchbox challenge!
Children are always told never to play with matches but empty matchboxes should be played with at every opportunity, making particularly handy containers for a miniature treasure hunt! Every player must have an empty matchbox of the same size. Give everyone a predetermined time to fill their matchbox with as many things from the garden that will fit inside! At the end of the game, give a point for each different item collected. The winner is the one with the most points!
Please do join in and post your comments/photos of this and any of the other 101 activities you enjoy with your children! You will be guaranteed lots of fun and creativity! You may even come up with some Merton-specific ones of your own! If you do, please do share them with us 
.