Fresh Air, Stronger Kids: Why Outdoor Play Matters at Every Age

At The Children’s Clinic in Jackson, Tennessee, we believe kids thrive when they move their bodies, engage their senses, and explore the world around them. One of the best ways to encourage this healthy development? Let them play outside!

From reducing stress to boosting physical health and brain function, outdoor play is a powerhouse for childhood growth. And the best part? You don’t need to travel far—nature is all around us.

Nature Is Everywhere

Whether you live in the city or the country, nature is closer than you think. A backyard garden, a neighborhood playground, or even a tree-lined sidewalk offers kids the chance to explore. Many communities, including those in and around Jackson, TN, have public parks that are walkable, wheelchair-accessible, and full of features for all ages. You can even search your zip code to find local green spaces.

No matter where you go, stepping outdoors brings fresh opportunities to learn, play, and bond as a family.

Outdoor Play Ideas by Age

Infants & Toddlers

Even the tiniest children benefit from time outside.

• Tummy time on a blanket lets babies soak up sights, smells, and sounds that support sensory development.

• Narrate your walk like a tour guide. Describe trees, birds, buildings, and street signs to build early vocabulary.

• Outdoor story time is perfect on a sunny afternoon. Reading books about nature outdoors makes connections even stronger.

• Roll a ball back and forth to build social, physical, and motor skills—all while laughing together.

Preschool & Elementary-Age Kids

Children learn through movement and imagination.

• Make nature art by collecting twigs, leaves, and stones to create sculptures with play dough or chalk drawings.

• Invent new worlds—a tree becomes a pirate ship, a patch of flowers becomes a jungle.

• Give them real tasks like watering flowers or digging a small hole for planting. Preschoolers love to help.

• Walk, scoot, or ride bikes and talk about what you see to expand vocabulary and observation skills.

• Play leader games like “follow the silly walk” to build confidence and creativity.

• Plan outdoor playdates to strengthen friendships and get everyone moving.

Tweens & Teens

Outdoor time is just as important—maybe even more so—as kids grow older.

• Create a nature scavenger hunt and explore together. Encourage teens to research plants or birds they find.

• Send kids on a “spy mission” following chalk arrows or secret messages left by friends.

• Build a simple bird feeder and keep a journal of which birds show up.

• Organize family sports time like frisbee, soccer, or even cornhole in the backyard.

• Picnic or grill out with family and friends to enjoy time together without screens.

• Walk and talk with your teen. Walking side-by-side makes emotional check-ins more natural.

Why Outdoor Play Is So Important

The benefits of outdoor play go far beyond having fun. Spending time in nature helps children:

• Stay physically healthy. Outdoor play boosts movement, builds motor skills, reduces the risk of obesity, and improves vision.

• Think more clearly. Being outside promotes curiosity, focus, and creativity—essential skills for success in school.

• Feel more emotionally balanced. Children who play outside show fewer signs of stress, anxiety, and mood swings.

• Manage behavior better. Natural settings are linked to improved impulse control, fewer meltdowns, and better social interactions.

• Support mental health. Time outdoors has been shown to reduce symptoms of ADHD and depression.

Make It a Habit

You don’t need to go far or spend money to make outdoor play part of your routine. Just 20–30 minutes a day outside can make a big difference in your child’s health and happiness.

Before you head out:

• Dress for the weather

• Use sunscreen and bug spray as needed

• Wash hands or use sanitizer after outdoor play

And remember, outdoor play is a great way for parents and caregivers to relax too!

Let’s Keep Kids Moving—Together

At The Children’s Clinic, we’re here to support the full picture of your child’s well-being—from checkups and vaccinations to advice about daily routines that support growth and learning.

Have questions about developmental milestones, outdoor safety, or screen-time limits? We’re here to help.

📍 The Children’s Clinic of Jackson, TN
264 Coatsland Dr, Jackson, TN 38301
📞 Call us at 731-423-1500
🌐 Visit: www.jacksonchildrensclinic.com

Hot Car Dangers: What Every Parent Needs to Know

Every year, dozens of children across the U.S. tragically lose their lives after being left in hot cars. Whether a child is forgotten in the back seat or climbs into an unlocked vehicle while playing, the results can be deadly—but these heartbreaking accidents are also preventable.

At The Children’s Clinic in Jackson, TN, your child’s safety is our top priority. Here’s what every parent and caregiver should know about the risks of hot cars and how to protect young children from heatstroke.

Why Are Hot Cars So Dangerous?

Heatstroke is the leading cause of non-crash, vehicle-related deaths in children under 15. It occurs when the body overheats and can’t cool down quickly enough. For young children, this can happen fast.

• A child's body heats up 3 to 5 times faster than an adult’s.

• Vital organs start shutting down at 104°F. A body temperature of 107°F can be fatal.

• Even when it’s mild outside, cars heat up quickly. In just 10 minutes, the inside temperature can rise by 20°F.

• Cracking the windows or parking in the shade does not keep a car safe.

• Heatstroke can happen when outside temperatures are as low as 57°F.

With more frequent hot days year-round due to climate change, this danger is becoming more widespread and persistent.

10 Ways to Prevent Hot Car Tragedies

It only takes a moment of distraction for a tragedy to occur. Even loving, attentive caregivers can make a mistake. These simple habits can help protect your child:

1. Always check the back seat before locking your car and walking away.

2. Limit distractions while driving—especially phone use.

3. Be mindful of routine changes. If someone else is dropping off your child or you're taking a different route, take extra precautions.

4. Ask your childcare provider to call if your child doesn’t arrive within 10 minutes of their usual time.

5. Verify drop-off and pick-up with other caregivers anytime someone else is driving your child.

6. Place a needed item (like your phone or purse) in the back seat to prompt a check before exiting.

7. Always lock your parked car. Many children who die in hot cars got in on their own.

8. Keep keys and remotes out of reach. Kids love to explore and can unlock vehicles without you knowing.

9. Keep trunk access closed. Fold-down seats should stay upright to block entry into the trunk.

10. Teach kids that cars are not play areas. Reinforce that cars are not hiding places, especially during games like hide-and-seek.

First Places to Look if Your Child Is Missing

If your child goes missing, check the pool first, if applicable, and then the car—including the trunk. Quick action can save lives.

If You See a Child Alone in a Car: Act Fast

If you see a child left unattended in a vehicle, call 911 immediately.

• If the child appears unresponsive or distressed:

  • Call 911.

  • Remove the child from the vehicle.

  • Cool the child with water (but not an ice bath).

• If the child seems alert:

  • Stay with them until emergency services arrive.

  • Ask a nearby business or facility to page the car owner.

What Does the Law Say?

Currently, there’s no federal law preventing children from being left in cars, but many states—including Tennessee—have laws to protect children from hot car dangers.

In Tennessee, it's illegal to leave a child under age 7 unattended in a vehicle if:

• The conditions pose a risk to the child's health or safety, or

• The engine is running, or

• The keys are left in the vehicle.

Even in cooler weather or for “just a minute,” leaving a child alone in a car is never safe. Don’t take the risk.

At The Children’s Clinic, we’re here to support your family’s health and safety.
If you have questions about childproofing, car seat safety, or heat-related risks, give us a call at 731-423-1500. Together, we can help prevent the unthinkable.

When the Crying Won’t Stop: Safe Ways to Cope with a Fussy Baby

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed with your new baby, especially when they just won’t stop crying and you’re mentally and physically exhausted. You might be tempted to shake your baby out of anger or frustration, but this can be harmful and even deadly. If your baby won’t stop crying and you can feel yourself getting angry, here are some things you can do to keep your baby safe. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3EG7Lsr

Facts About Ingredients In Childhood Vaccines

As parents, you want to know exactly what goes into protecting your child's health. That’s why we’ve broken down the ingredients in childhood vaccines — what they are, why they’re included, and how they help strengthen your child's immune system. Learn more: https://bit.ly/430jf37

Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world

A single person with measles will infect 9 out of 10 unvaccinated people around them. But you can help protect your entire community by getting the MMR vaccine. Talk to your pediatrician with questions about measles or the MMR vaccine.