Outdoor play

Playing outside is one of our favorite activities. We love spending time outside. Little A. imagination is always fueled by the noises he hears, the wind and the trees and plants that surround him. He's always observing, playing and asking questions. He is so involved when he's outside. 

When I see him play and discover, I always think of this quote:

 “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning, 

but for children, play is serious learning.”

Being outside is teaching him to be present and grateful. It's teaching valuable life lessons, resiliency, but most importantly, it's teaching him to value and respect nature.


When we are outside, there are very few guided play and that's the way it should be. Little A. will play with sticks, plays with pebbles, jump in puddles, climb rocks and tree stumps, and run with all the joy in the world. He is learning to maneuver in the world. Cautiously but with resilience!

Little A. loved mimicking my words and my actions when we are outside. He'll say things like: "mmm, the air smells nice" or "wow, it's beautiful here". Such observations are golden moments for me. 

 When we first moved here, I really struggled finding play areas for little A. There are very few parks with play structures and green areas are often formal gardens in Peterborough. 

I've had to re-focus my expectations when it comes to outdoor play with little A. here, but I am grateful to still have the possibility to go outside, discover and play safely within our neighborhood. 

We now love cycling to a local conservation area and playing in the forest, on the trails and in the natural playgrounds. We also love playing on the grounds of the manor across the street from our home.

Apparently, it's been an exceptionally beautiful autumn and I am grateful for it. It's been an easier transition into a slower lifestyle, shorter days, less light and more indoor play moments.

Thank you autumn for being so welcoming to us!