Why Outdoor Play Trumps Indoor Play: A Comprehensive Guide – Unleash Your Competitive Spirit with Exciting Toy Games

Are you ready to explore the great outdoors? If you’re wondering why outdoor play is better than indoor play, then you’ve come to the right place. From fresh air to endless opportunities for physical activity, there are countless reasons why outdoor play trumps indoor play any day. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the benefits of outdoor play and discover why it’s the ultimate way to keep your little ones active, engaged, and happy. So, pack up your sunscreen, grab your water bottles, and let’s head outside to explore the wonders of nature!

The Benefits of Outdoor Play

Fresh Air and Sunlight

Benefits of Fresh Air

Air purification: Outdoor play allows children to breathe in fresh air, which helps purify their lungs and enhances overall respiratory health. This is particularly important for urban children who are exposed to high levels of air pollution.
Boosts immunity: Exposure to various outdoor elements such as wind, sunlight, and rain can help build a child’s immunity. Being exposed to these elements helps their bodies develop a natural defense mechanism against infections and illnesses.
Improves cognitive function: Fresh air contains essential nutrients like oxygen, which plays a crucial role in brain function. Regular exposure to fresh air can lead to better cognitive development and improved concentration levels in children.

Benefits of Sunlight

Vitamin D production: Sunlight is a vital source of vitamin D, which is essential for bone health, immune system function, and overall well-being. Prolonged exposure to sunlight can help prevent conditions like rickets and other bone diseases.
Regulates sleep patterns: Sunlight helps regulate the body’s internal clock and promotes healthy sleep patterns. Children who play outdoors during daylight hours are more likely to have better sleep quality and patterns.
Improves mood: Sunlight has been shown to have a positive impact on mood and mental health. Regular exposure to sunlight can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression in children.
Boosts serotonin levels: Serotonin is a hormone that regulates mood and appetite. Sunlight stimulates the production of serotonin, which can lead to improved mood and overall well-being in children.

Exposure to Nature

Benefits of Exposure to Nature

Boosts Immune System: Prolonged exposure to natural elements like sunlight, fresh air, and soil can enhance the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which fight off infections and diseases.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Being in nature has been shown to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, and can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Enhances Sensory Processing: Outdoor environments offer a wide range of sensory experiences, including different textures, sounds, and smells, which can help children develop better sensory processing skills.
Facilitates Creativity and Imagination: The natural environment provides a rich and diverse playground for children’s imagination, encouraging creativity and the development of problem-solving skills.
Promotes Physical Activity: Outdoor play promotes physical activity, which is essential for developing strong bones, muscles, and a healthy body weight. It also provides opportunities for social interaction and cooperative play.
Develops Emotional Resilience: Exposure to nature can help children develop emotional resilience by teaching them how to cope with challenges, manage emotions, and face fears in a safe and supportive environment.
Encourages Environmental Stewardship: Outdoor play allows children to develop a sense of connection and appreciation for the natural world, fostering a sense of responsibility for protecting the environment.

Physical Activity

Benefits of Physical Activity

Physical activity is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, and outdoor play provides children with the opportunity to engage in a variety of physical activities that promote overall health and well-being. Some of the benefits of physical activity include:

Improved Physical Health: Physical activity can help children maintain a healthy weight, build strong bones and muscles, and improve their cardiovascular health.
Increased Energy Levels: Physical activity can help children burn off excess energy, which can help them sleep better at night and improve their overall mood.
Better Coordination and Balance: Outdoor play can help children develop their coordination and balance skills, which can improve their ability to perform daily tasks and participate in sports and other physical activities.
Development of Gross Motor Skills: Outdoor play provides children with opportunities to use their large muscle groups, which can help them develop strong gross motor skills.
Reduced Risk of Obesity: Regular physical activity can help children maintain a healthy weight and reduce their risk of obesity, which can have long-term health consequences.
Improved Mental Health: Physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health, including reducing stress and anxiety and improving mood.
Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem: As children become more proficient at physical activities, they may experience a boost in confidence and self-esteem.
Development of Social Skills: Outdoor play often involves interaction with other children, which can help children develop important social skills such as cooperation, communication, and empathy.
Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases: Regular physical activity can help children reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer.

Overall, outdoor play provides children with a variety of physical benefits that can help them develop strong bodies and minds. By encouraging children to engage in regular physical activity through outdoor play, parents can help their children establish healthy habits that can benefit them throughout their lives.

Social Interaction

When children engage in outdoor play, they have the opportunity to interact with other children in a natural and spontaneous way. This type of social interaction is important for their social and emotional development.

Benefits of Social Interaction

Improved communication skills: Through outdoor play, children learn how to communicate effectively with others, how to express their thoughts and feelings, and how to listen to others.
Enhanced empathy and understanding: By interacting with other children, children learn to understand different perspectives and develop empathy for others.
Increased cooperation and collaboration: Outdoor play encourages children to work together and cooperate with others, which helps them develop important teamwork and collaboration skills.
Strengthened problem-solving skills: Through outdoor play, children are presented with challenges and obstacles that they must overcome, which helps them develop problem-solving skills and resilience.
Developed emotional regulation: Interacting with others in outdoor play helps children learn how to regulate their emotions and behavior, which is important for their overall well-being.

Developing Imagination and Creativity

One of the key benefits of outdoor play is its ability to foster imagination and creativity in children. While indoor play can be limited by structured activities and set rules, outdoor play allows children to explore and create their own unique experiences.

Benefits of Imagination and Creativity

Encourages problem-solving skills: When children are given the freedom to explore and create in outdoor environments, they are forced to think creatively and come up with solutions to challenges they may encounter.
Enhances cognitive development: Engaging in imaginative play helps children develop their cognitive abilities, as they use their imagination to connect different ideas and concepts.
Promotes emotional intelligence: Through imaginative play, children are able to express and understand their emotions in a safe and controlled environment.
Fosters social skills: Outdoor play provides opportunities for children to interact with others, build relationships, and learn how to cooperate and communicate effectively.
Increases physical activity: Outdoor play encourages children to be active and move their bodies, which is essential for their physical development and overall health.

Overall, outdoor play provides a unique opportunity for children to develop their imagination and creativity, which are essential skills for success in all areas of life.

Enhancing Cognitive Skills

Benefits of Enhancing Cognitive Skills

Improved Problem Solving: Outdoor play encourages children to think creatively and solve problems in novel ways, leading to enhanced cognitive development.
Greater Attention Span: Outdoor activities often require sustained focus, helping children build longer attention spans and better concentration skills.
Better Memory Function: Engaging in outdoor play allows children to experience and remember events in a more vivid manner, strengthening their memory function.
Enhanced Learning Abilities: Through hands-on exploration and interaction with the natural environment, outdoor play helps develop critical thinking, language, and mathematical skills.
Development of Spatial Awareness: Outdoor activities require children to navigate their surroundings, fostering spatial awareness and improved coordination.
Boost in Creativity: Outdoor play allows for free play and imaginative exploration, nurturing creativity and fostering innovative thinking.
Increased Emotional Intelligence: Through social interactions and exposure to diverse environments, outdoor play helps children develop empathy and better understand the emotions of others.
Strengthened Resilience: Overcoming challenges and navigating the natural environment builds resilience in children, teaching them to persevere through adversity.
Enhanced Physical Health: Outdoor play contributes to physical fitness, reducing the risk of obesity and promoting overall well-being.
Better Mental Health: Exposure to nature has been linked to reduced stress, anxiety, and depression, leading to improved mental health for children.

Building Resilience and Self-Confidence

Outdoor play has numerous benefits for children, including building resilience and self-confidence. Here’s a closer look at these benefits:

Benefits of Building Resilience and Self-Confidence

Improved coping skills: Engaging in outdoor activities and facing challenges can help children develop coping skills, which they can use in other areas of their lives.
Increased self-esteem: Overcoming obstacles and achieving goals in outdoor play can boost children’s self-esteem and self-confidence.
Greater independence: Outdoor play encourages children to explore and learn new things on their own, promoting independence and self-reliance.
Enhanced problem-solving abilities: Outdoor play often involves problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making, which can help children develop these important skills.
Better social skills: Outdoor play often involves interacting with others, which can help children develop social skills, such as communication, empathy, and cooperation.
More opportunities for adventure: Outdoor play provides children with more opportunities for adventure and excitement, which can be a significant benefit for their overall well-being.

Overall, building resilience and self-confidence through outdoor play can have a lasting impact on children’s lives, helping them to become more confident, capable, and well-rounded individuals.

The Drawbacks of Indoor Play

Key takeaway:

Limited Space

When it comes to indoor play, one of the biggest drawbacks is the limited space. Many indoor play areas, such as homes and daycare centers, are often cramped and cluttered, which can make it difficult for children to engage in imaginative and creative play. This limited space can also lead to safety concerns, as children may be more likely to bump into each other or trip over objects in the room.

Drawbacks of Limited Space

Lack of Imagination: With limited space, children may feel constrained in their play and have a harder time using their imagination. They may feel like they have to stick to certain areas or rules, which can limit their creativity.
Increased Risk of Accidents: With limited space, children may be more likely to bump into each other or trip over objects in the room. This can lead to accidents and injuries, which can be especially dangerous for younger children who are still learning to balance and coordinate their movements.
Reduced Physical Activity: When children are confined to a small space, they may be less likely to engage in physical activity. This can lead to a sedentary lifestyle, which can have negative impacts on their health and development.
Difficulty in Social Interaction: Limited space can also make it difficult for children to interact with each other. They may feel crowded or uncomfortable, which can make it harder for them to build social skills and develop meaningful relationships.

Overall, the limited space in indoor play areas can have a significant impact on children’s play and development. By contrast, outdoor play provides a vast and varied environment that encourages creativity, physical activity, and social interaction.

Artificial Environments

Artificial environments in indoor play areas are designed to provide children with a controlled and safe space to play. However, these environments often come with a set of drawbacks that limit the potential for imaginative and creative play.

Drawbacks of Artificial Environments

Limited Sensory Stimulation: Indoor play areas often have a limited range of sensory stimuli, such as bright colors, synthetic materials, and man-made sounds. This lack of variety can stifle a child’s sensory development and limit their ability to explore and engage with their environment.
Restricted Space: Indoor play areas are often designed with specific age groups and play styles in mind, resulting in limited space for children to move and explore. This can lead to a more confined and restricted play experience, limiting the potential for imaginative and creative play.
Increased Risk of Injury: The synthetic materials and equipment used in indoor play areas can pose a risk of injury, particularly if they are not regularly maintained or cleaned. This can result in cuts, bruises, and other injuries that can put a damper on a child’s play experience.
Lack of Natural Elements: Indoor play areas are typically devoid of natural elements, such as dirt, grass, and trees. This lack of exposure to natural elements can limit a child’s understanding and appreciation of the natural world, potentially leading to a disconnect from the environment.
Over-Structured Play: Indoor play areas often have a set of rules and guidelines that children must follow, which can lead to over-structured play. This can limit a child’s ability to explore and experiment with different play styles, potentially stifling their creativity and imagination.

In conclusion, while indoor play areas may offer some benefits, such as protection from the elements, they also come with a set of drawbacks that can limit a child’s ability to play and explore freely. Outdoor play, on the other hand, provides children with a wider range of sensory stimuli, a larger space to explore, and a connection to the natural world, making it the superior option for promoting imaginative and creative play.

Sedentary Behavior

Lack of Physical Activity

Indoor play often involves sitting or lying down, such as in front of a screen, which leads to a lack of physical activity. This can contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle and increase the risk of obesity, heart disease, and other health problems.

Reduced Exposure to Nature

Spending time indoors means that children are not exposed to the natural world as much as they would be if they were playing outdoors. This can lead to a disconnection from nature and an appreciation for the environment.

Increased Risk of Sensory Overload

Indoor environments can be overstimulating and overwhelming for children, leading to sensory overload. This can result in anxiety, stress, and behavioral problems.

Limited Social Interaction

Indoor play often involves spending time with screens, which can limit social interaction and hinder the development of important social skills. Outdoor play, on the other hand, provides ample opportunities for children to interact with others and build important social connections.

Lack of Natural Light

Drawbacks of Lack of Natural Light

One of the significant drawbacks of indoor play is the lack of natural light. While some indoor play areas may have artificial lighting, it can never replicate the benefits of natural light. Here are some of the reasons why natural light is crucial for a child’s development:

Improved Mood and Behavior: Research has shown that exposure to natural light can improve a child’s mood, reduce stress, and help regulate their behavior. This is because natural light helps regulate the body’s internal clock, which in turn can improve sleep patterns and reduce irritability.
Better Vitamin D Production: Natural light is an essential source of vitamin D, which is essential for the body’s absorption of calcium and phosphorus. A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to bone problems and other health issues.
Enhanced Cognitive Development: Studies have shown that exposure to natural light can improve cognitive development in children, particularly in areas such as reading and writing. This is because natural light can improve concentration and focus, which are essential for learning.
Boosted Immune System: Children who spend more time outdoors, particularly in natural settings, have been found to have stronger immune systems. This is because exposure to natural light and fresh air can help build resistance to illness and disease.

In conclusion, the lack of natural light in indoor play areas can have significant negative effects on a child’s development. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize outdoor play, which provides a natural and stimulating environment for children to grow and learn.

Reduced Social Interaction

Reduced social interaction is one of the most significant drawbacks of indoor play. When children engage in indoor play, they often interact with the same group of people, limiting their exposure to different personalities and backgrounds. This lack of diversity can hinder their ability to develop social skills, such as empathy, cooperation, and conflict resolution.

Furthermore, indoor play often involves sedentary activities, such as playing video games or watching television, which can contribute to a sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity. This, in turn, can lead to health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

In addition, indoor play can be associated with a higher risk of illness, as indoor environments are more likely to harbor germs and viruses. This can lead to missed school days and disrupted schedules, as well as potential health problems for children.

Overall, reducing social interaction and promoting sedentary behavior, indoor play can have negative effects on children’s physical and mental health.

Exposure to Indoor Pollutants

Indoor play can be fun, but it comes with a risk. Indoor spaces are often filled with pollutants that can negatively impact children’s health. Some of the most common indoor pollutants include:

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Particulate matter (PM)
Carbon monoxide (CO)
Nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
Formaldehyde

Exposure to these pollutants can lead to a variety of health problems, including respiratory issues, headaches, and fatigue. Children are especially vulnerable to the effects of indoor pollutants because their bodies are still developing and their immune systems are not yet fully mature.

Drawbacks of Exposure to Indoor Pollutants

The drawbacks of exposure to indoor pollutants are numerous. Some of the most significant include:

Respiratory problems: Exposure to indoor pollutants can irritate the respiratory system, leading to issues like asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory illnesses.
Headaches: Prolonged exposure to indoor pollutants can cause headaches, which can be debilitating for children.
Fatigue: Exposure to indoor pollutants can also cause fatigue, which can make it difficult for children to concentrate and stay focused.
Long-term health effects: Some indoor pollutants, such as formaldehyde, have been linked to long-term health effects like cancer.

It’s clear that indoor play can have serious consequences for children’s health. That’s why it’s so important to encourage children to play outside, where they can breathe fresh air and enjoy the many benefits of outdoor play.

Making the Most of Outdoor Play

Choosing the Right Outdoor Activities

When it comes to outdoor play, the options are practically endless. However, not all activities are created equal. Choosing the right outdoor activities is crucial to ensuring that your child gets the most out of their playtime. Here are some factors to consider when selecting outdoor activities for your child:

Age and Ability

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing outdoor activities is your child’s age and ability. For younger children, simpler activities like walking in the park or playing in a sandbox may be more appropriate. Older children may enjoy more complex activities like rock climbing or kayaking. It’s important to choose activities that are age-appropriate and that your child is physically and mentally capable of handling.

Weather and Climate

Another important factor to consider is the weather and climate. Some outdoor activities, like hiking or biking, may not be suitable in extreme heat or cold weather. It’s important to choose activities that are appropriate for the weather conditions and that your child will enjoy despite the weather.

Location and Accessibility

Location and accessibility are also important factors to consider. Some outdoor activities require a specific location, like beach volleyball or surfing. It’s important to choose activities that are accessible and convenient for you and your child.

Equipment and Safety

Finally, it’s important to consider the equipment and safety factors involved in outdoor activities. Some activities, like skateboarding or rollerblading, require special equipment and safety gear. It’s important to choose activities that are safe and that your child has the appropriate equipment for.

By considering these factors, you can choose outdoor activities that are appropriate for your child’s age, ability, and interests. With the right outdoor activities, your child can enjoy the many benefits of outdoor play and develop important skills and interests that will last a lifetime.

Ensuring Safety During Outdoor Play

As much as outdoor play is beneficial for children, it is essential to ensure their safety while they engage in these activities. Here are some tips for ensuring safety during outdoor play:

Supervision

One of the most critical factors in ensuring safety during outdoor play is supervision. Parents and caregivers should ensure that children are adequately supervised at all times, especially when they are engaging in physical activities. It is crucial to be present and attentive to what children are doing, to intervene when necessary, and to provide guidance and support.

Age-Appropriate Activities

Children should engage in age-appropriate activities when playing outdoors. Activities that are too challenging or dangerous can lead to injuries, while those that are too easy may not provide enough stimulation. Parents and caregivers should choose activities that are appropriate for their children’s age, ability, and interests.

Safety Equipment

Outdoor play often involves physical activities that can result in injuries. Parents and caregivers should ensure that children wear appropriate safety equipment, such as helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads, when engaging in activities like cycling, skateboarding, or rollerblading. It is also essential to ensure that children wear sunscreen and insect repellent when playing outdoors.

Environmental Risks

Outdoor play can also expose children to environmental risks, such as extreme weather conditions, poisonous plants, and insect bites. Parents and caregivers should be aware of these risks and take appropriate measures to protect children, such as providing appropriate clothing and footwear, using insect repellent, and avoiding outdoor activities during extreme weather conditions.

Teaching Safety Skills

Finally, parents and caregivers should teach children safety skills when playing outdoors. This includes teaching children how to avoid dangerous situations, what to do in emergencies, and how to respond to injuries. Children should also be taught how to swim, ride bikes, and cross the road safely. By teaching children these skills, parents and caregivers can help them stay safe while enjoying the benefits of outdoor play.

Incorporating Indoor Activities to Complement Outdoor Play

Incorporating indoor activities can complement outdoor play and provide children with a well-rounded play experience. By incorporating indoor activities, children can develop different skills and interests, while also getting a break from the elements. Here are some ideas for complementary indoor activities:

Art and craft projects: These activities allow children to express their creativity and imagination while also developing their fine motor skills.
Building and engineering projects: These activities allow children to use their problem-solving skills and work collaboratively with others.
Board games and puzzles: These activities help children develop their cognitive skills and hand-eye coordination.
Books and reading: These activities help children develop their language and literacy skills, as well as their imagination and empathy.
Music and movement: These activities help children develop their physical coordination and expression, as well as their emotional regulation and self-confidence.

By incorporating these indoor activities into their play routine, children can develop a variety of skills and interests, while also getting a break from the elements. This approach to play can also help children learn to appreciate and value different types of play, and develop a well-rounded play experience.

Balancing Screen Time with Outdoor Play

As technology continues to advance, it becomes increasingly important to strike a balance between screen time and outdoor play for children. Here are some tips for balancing screen time with outdoor play:

Establish Screen Time Limits: Parents should establish and enforce screen time limits for their children. This will help children prioritize outdoor play and other activities over screen time.
Encourage Outdoor Play: Parents should encourage outdoor play by providing children with opportunities to engage in outdoor activities. This can include trips to the park, hiking, biking, or other outdoor activities.
Make Screen Time Active: When children do engage in screen time, parents can make it more active by choosing educational or interactive games, or by watching shows that promote physical activity, such as sports programs.
Use Screen Time as a Reward: Parents can use screen time as a reward for engaging in outdoor play or completing chores. This will encourage children to prioritize outdoor play and other activities over screen time.
Get Involved: Parents can get involved in outdoor play with their children, which will help promote physical activity and strengthen the parent-child bond.

By following these tips, parents can help their children strike a healthy balance between screen time and outdoor play, and encourage them to prioritize outdoor play and other physical activities.

Recap of Key Points

Outdoor play provides children with opportunities for free play, promoting creativity and problem-solving skills.
Nature offers a wealth of learning experiences, from exploring different textures and smells to observing the changing seasons.
Outdoor play encourages physical activity, helping to combat childhood obesity and promoting overall health and well-being.
Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress and improve mental health in both children and adults.
Outdoor play fosters a sense of connection to the natural world, promoting environmental stewardship and responsibility.
In contrast, indoor play often involves more structured and adult-directed activities, limiting the child’s ability to explore and learn independently.
The use of screens and technology in indoor play can contribute to sedentary behavior and decreased physical activity.
The benefits of outdoor play are numerous and can have a lasting impact on a child’s development and well-being.

The Importance of Outdoor Play in a Modern World

Outdoor play is crucial for children’s physical, mental, and emotional development in today’s modern world. With technology and social media becoming increasingly prevalent, children are spending more time indoors and less time engaging in physical activity. Outdoor play provides an opportunity for children to explore their environment, develop their senses, and improve their physical health.

Physical Health Benefits

Outdoor play offers numerous physical health benefits for children. It helps them maintain a healthy weight, build strong bones and muscles, and develop their coordination and balance skills. Children who engage in regular outdoor play are also more likely to develop healthy habits, such as a love for physical activity and an appreciation for the great outdoors.

Mental Health Benefits

Outdoor play also has significant mental health benefits for children. It provides an opportunity for children to learn about the world around them, explore their creativity, and develop their imaginations. Outdoor play also helps children develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities. Additionally, outdoor play can reduce stress and anxiety levels in children, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.

Emotional Health Benefits

Outdoor play also has emotional health benefits for children. It provides an opportunity for children to develop social skills, build relationships, and learn how to cope with challenges. Outdoor play also helps children develop a sense of independence, self-confidence, and resilience. Furthermore, outdoor play can help children develop a sense of connection to the natural world, promoting a sense of environmental stewardship and responsibility.

In conclusion, outdoor play is essential for children’s physical, mental, and emotional development in today’s modern world. It provides an opportunity for children to explore their environment, develop their senses, and improve their physical health. Additionally, outdoor play offers numerous mental and emotional health benefits, promoting problem-solving skills, critical thinking, decision-making abilities, social skills, and emotional well-being. Therefore, it is crucial for parents, caregivers, and educators to encourage and support outdoor play for children.

FAQs

1. What are the benefits of outdoor play?

Outdoor play offers a variety of benefits for children. It allows them to engage in physical activity, which is essential for their growth and development. Outdoor play also provides children with opportunities to learn about nature, animals, and the environment. Additionally, outdoor play helps children develop social skills and learn how to interact with others.

2. Is outdoor play safe?

Outdoor play can be safe if children take proper precautions. It is important to ensure that children wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather conditions and environment. Children should also be taught to be aware of their surroundings and potential hazards, such as traffic or sharp objects. However, outdoor play can be more dangerous than indoor play, which is why it is important for parents to supervise their children and take necessary safety measures.

3. What are some outdoor activities that children can enjoy?

There are many outdoor activities that children can enjoy, such as hiking, biking, swimming, and playing sports like soccer or basketball. Children can also engage in imaginative play by using natural elements like sticks, rocks, and leaves to create their own games. Outdoor play can also include activities like gardening, bird watching, and exploring nature trails.

4. How does outdoor play differ from indoor play?

Outdoor play differs from indoor play in several ways. Outdoor play provides children with more opportunities for physical activity and exposure to nature. Indoor play, on the other hand, is typically more structured and focused on specific activities or toys. Outdoor play also encourages children to use their imagination and creativity, while indoor play may be more focused on following rules and instructions.

5. Is outdoor play better for all children?

Outdoor play can be beneficial for most children, but it may not be suitable for all children. Children with certain medical conditions or disabilities may require indoor play or modified outdoor activities. Additionally, some children may prefer indoor play or may not have access to outdoor play areas. It is important to consider each child’s individual needs and preferences when deciding where to play.