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Some of my favorite childhood memories were made at Breinigsville Park. My brother and I would race to the pirate ship-themed playground, eager to grab the steering wheel and spend hours imagining we were sailing the seas, battling pirates and searching for hidden treasure
To us, it wasn’t just a playground; it was a place where our imaginations transformed an ordinary afternoon into an unforgettable adventure. Those carefree afternoons now feel like a distant memory, but they remind me of something many children today are missing — the simple joy of playing outside
Today, it seems those playgrounds are quieter than I remember. Instead of climbing pirate ships or racing across open fields, many children spend their free time indoors on computers, smartphones, tablets and televisions. While technology offers many benefits, it should complement rather than replace the physical activity, creativity and social interaction that children develop through outdoor play
This trend is further reflected in national research. According to the 2021 National Survey of Children’s Health, which surveyed nearly 12,000 preschool-aged children, 37% spent one hour or less playing outdoors on weekdays, while 24% spent one hour or less outdoors on weekends. These findings suggest that many young children are spending less time outdoors during some of their most important developmental years
The benefits of spending time outdoors extend far beyond recreation. According to Dr. Rajender Totlani, a pediatrician at Lehigh Valley Pediatric Associates, encouraging children to spend time outside is one of the best ways to improve their overall health
“From a medical perspective, spending time outdoors is one of the simplest things we can encourage because it has benefits that go far beyond just getting exercise,” Totlani said
Outdoor activity helps children build stronger bones and muscles, improve cardiovascular health, maintain a healthy weight, sleep better, and increase vitamin D levels, he said. Just as important are the mental and emotional benefits, including improved mood, reduced anxiety, better attention and greater self-confidence. Totlani also emphasized that children do not need to participate in organized sports to experience these benefits. Bike rides, hiking, swimming, visiting a local park or simply spending time outdoors with family and friends can all help children develop healthy habits that last a lifetime.
His advice to families is simple: “Get outside every day.”
Fortunately, families in the Lehigh Valley have many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. Chris Hendricks, recreation manager at Allentown’s Bureau of Recreation, pointed to the city’s wide range of parks, recreation programs and community events that encourage residents to stay active
Throughout the year, families can take part in youth playground programs, fishing events, outdoor fitness classes, movies in the park, summer concerts, aquatics, youth sports and seasonal community celebrations. Together, these programs give families more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, be active and spend quality time together close to home
As communities continue investing in parks and recreation, families have more opportunities than ever to step outside and enjoy the many benefits that nature has to offer
The question is no longer whether opportunities exist — it is whether we take advantage of them
Although hospitals, prescription medications and clinical treatments are essential parts of healthcare, some of the most powerful public health investments are surprisingly simple. They begin in neighborhood parks, on playgrounds, along walking trails and anywhere children are encouraged to spend time outdoors
Looking back, I don’t remember every TV show I watched or every video game I played as a child. What I remember are the adventures my brother and I created on that pirate ship at Breinigsville Park. Those experiences encouraged us to be active, use our imaginations and create memories that have stayed with us for years
I hope more children can experience that same sense of adventure. No screen can replace the excitement of exploring a park, imagining new worlds and creating long-lasting memories
This summer and beyond, let’s give children something no screen can ever replace: the freedom to explore, the joy of playing outside and memories that will last a lifetime
This is a contributed opinion column. Rohan Yanala is a senior at Southern Lehigh High School with an interest in public health, psychology and community service. The views expressed in this piece are those of its individual author(s), and should not be interpreted as reflecting the views of this publication. For more details on commentaries, read our guide to guest opinions at themorningcall.com/opinions
