York Region has shared the following information for our community
Win a prize by taking our spring Active Play survey!
Kids and active play
How does the change in seasons affect how kids play? Do you live in York Region and have a child age 5 to 12 years of age? Or do you work at an elementary school in York Region? Tell us how children play in warmer weather by completing this brief survey and you could win a prize.
Thank you to everyone who already filled out our winter active play survey! With over 700 responses, the survey taught us a lot about how kids play in the winter. For example, the weather kept many children indoors, both at home and at school.
Whether its winter, spring, or any other time of year, children need several hours of active play each day.
Outdoor active play can include such things as:
- Playing hopscotch, tag or soccer
- Making mud pies or sandcastles
- Climbing a tree or building a tree fort
- Riding a bike, scooter or skateboard
How can parents encourage active play?
- Balance scheduled activities with free play time
- Encourage children to play in natural outdoor spaces, and in a variety of weather conditions
- Allow children to take risks so they can have fun while learning to identify and manage risks in all areas of their lives
How can schools encourage active play?
- Regularly embrace the outdoors for learning, socialization and physical activity in various weather conditions
- Choose natural elements for the school yard over pre-fabricated playgrounds and paved areas
- Examine existing policies and reconsider those that pose a barrier to active outdoor play
For more information on physical activity and active play, visit:
