Kids Who Play Grow into Healthier Adults

The National Day of Play is July 19.

By Emily Small

Play! Coordinator

One of the most important building blocks of a child's health and development is play. More than just fun, play helps children grow physically, mentally, and socially while building healthy habits that can last a lifetime. 

Emily Small with a child

Children who are active from an early age are more likely to remain active as adults. That means they are less likely to be obese and more likely to have healthier hearts.  Regular movement strengthens bones and muscles, improves coordination and supports emotional well-being. The American Academy of Pediatrics finds play also develops “executive functions.” Those are skills such as working together, problem solving and being creative.

At Play! Where Fit Meets Fun, children experience the benefits of movement through engaging, age-appropriate activities. Whether they're navigating obstacle courses, playing games, or building new skills children are encouraged to stay active, gain confidence, and develop a lifelong love of movement in a safe and supportive environment.

Mark National Day of Play as a family. Visit a playground, play a game outdoors, take a walk together. A growing number of studies finds that children who play outdoors in fields or wooded playgrounds have better focus, lower stress levels and are less likely to show ADHD symptoms.

Remember, every opportunity to play helps build healthier, happier children.

Emily Small joined Cone Health in April 2022 and started as Play! Coordinator in February. She is a graduate of Grand Canyon University with a degree in Health Care Administration.