Play. Outdoor play. It stimulates the brain and develops muscles. Children learn to get along and make friends, to take risks and be brave. None of these life skills happen when children’s play is on the internet, and not outdoors.. Thank you to Beetley Pete for posting pictures of play. While they are from the 60’s, they’re just as relevant and important today.
Being outside was a huge part of growing up. These kids, and their parents, knew how important that was. Wherever you lived, I am sure you will identify with this, as long as you are over forty!
Leap Frog.
Reading Comics.
Swinging.
Hoses in hot weather.
Riding bicycles.
Walking to and from school with a friend.
Hide and Seek.
Playing Jacks. (Or marbles)
Climbing unsupervised at the park or playground.
Pogo Sticks in the street.
‘Oranges and Lemons’.
Hopscotch in the road or school playground.
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A Teacher's Reflections 
Gosh Jenny, I wouldn’t change my childhood for what they’ve got now, would you?
Great photos! Made me nostalgic.
We had it best! And, there’s no reason kids can’t still play like this today. The only difference is no parents.
I think that they are beguiled by their devices (and parents find it keeps them quiet).
Yes, and yes (unfortunately.)
love these!
😀
they’ll never know what they missed out on
Exactly!
and I wonder If that’s what our Grand parents said about us?
Good question!
We were always outside when I was growing up, all seasons. I loved riding my bike to the park to play on the swings and climb the trees. Baseball without coaches or umpires, tag, you name it. Those were the good old days.
You are so right, Carla!
Absolutely true. Yes, things change, but it doesn’t mean for the better. I never see kids playing in the street (stealing KIAs isn’t okay). Nothing better than hide & seek or just racing.
I agree, great photos!
You’re right, Steve. And, kids can still get outside and play today…once they put their tablets away.
Jennie, you might enjoy this story I wrote several years ago. It fits your theme…
https://srbottch.wordpress.com/2016/10/05/the-streets-of-our-neighborhood/?preview=true
I loved that post! I wrote a long comment back then, too. 🙂
Forgive me for resending it. I should check comments before doing that but I didn’t realize that we’d been following each other that long. Wow, time flies and it’s been a wonderful friendship. Have a great day!
No, no…I’m glad you resent it. Good things need to be read again and again. 😀
I find myself rereading my stories…and enjoying them.
Me, too!
Oh, gosh. We were outside playing all the time. There was a large vacant lot down our alley, and we played many sports there. Though North Dakota is primarily flat, we lived near a large hill. We rode toboggans and sleds down it in the winter and cardboard during the other seasons. I had a happy childhood. My parents limited us to only a half-hour of television a day, so we made our own fun.
Your memories are wonderful, Pete. I’d nearly forgotten about the cardboard down the hill. When I was in college, we would take the cafeteria trays to go sledding. Playing outside was the best, and it still is for children today. My memories of TV as a young child were Romper Room and Captain Kangaroo. Making our own fun was by far the most fun.
Wasn’t it just a better time, altogether?
I think it was.
Many thanks for reblogging, Jennie. You are a great advocate for the values of fresh air and play.
Best wishes, Pete.
My pleasure, Pete! Best to you.
We didn’t think about it being healthy, nor did we care. It was just fun!
Yes!!
I wouldn’t change my childhood for what they have today either. I would go out after breakfast on both school days, and non school days and not have to be home until my Dad got home. I didn’t even have to come home periodically to check in!
Thankfully, our Grandsons live on a large property so they get outside a lot to climb trees, play in the creek, and snow, and do a lot of pretending. Lately, it’s Pirates, and walking the plank and fighting over who is going to be Captain Hook this time. 🤣🤣
I loved hide and seek. And kick the can. And playing jacks. And doing some hand clapping rhythm thing in a circle with friends while we recited: A sailor went to sea, sea, sea, To see what he could see, see, see, But all that he could see, see, see, Was the bottom of the deep blue sea, sea, sea.
Yes! I can still do the hand clap. 🙂
Yes! 😊
“Go outside and play.” Was frequently heard in our house, especially when I was underfoot. I wouldn’t do it any differently if I could go back and do it over. We let our daughter play outside as often as she wanted, and we put things out there for her to play with.
Wonderful, Dan! I wish all children could go outside and play, like you and Faith (and me.)
Nostalgic!!