This post is sponsored by the Voice of Play.

When my first child was little, I remember keeping him inside in the cooler weather. I was worried about germs and him getting sick. Then my grandma told me that the cold is good for kids and she used to put my dad on the back porch in his baby stroller for fresh air even in the cooler months.

As I relaxed as a mom and had more kids, I realized how my grandma was right. Fresh air really is good for us, little kids included. I started bundling my kids up even in the fall and winter to let them play outside. The best part of outdoor play is that its free and you can do it anytime. Kids bored? Take them out for a nature walk! Kids complaining about being cramped inside? Let them ride their bikes or just play outside! Need a family adventure but on a tight budget? Explore a new park or forest preserve!

In Chicago we take any nice weather we can get! One day it may be a blizzard and then next it could be sweltering heat! A few weeks ago, my kids were building snowman and now they are rollerblading!

Normally we put all the kids bikes and outdoor toys away but when my daughter begged to rollerblade the other day I couldn’t say no. So she bundled up in her winter coat and rollerbladed in the driveway. I just saw on the news that another cold front is coming so we will take advantage when we can!

There is science behind playing outside!

The Voice of Play is an advocacy initiative of the non-profit membership association, IPEMA, which was formed to educate and promote the benefits of children’s free outdoor play and playgrounds. The IPEMA highlights the scientifically proven physical, social, emotional and cognitive benefits of play! The Voice of Play website and social media efforts are a great resource for those who want to learn about the many benefits of play.