How running about and playing alters the brain of children

Remember when we used to run barefoot in the park, climb trees, or make up wild games with no rules? For us, it was just fun. But guess what? Every time a child runs, jumps, climbs, or plays tag, they’re not just burning energy—they’re literally rebuilding their brain.


Movement is one of the most powerful brain-development tools a child has. And the best part? It doesn’t cost a rupee. No fancy tech, no apps—just open space, free time, and the freedom to play.


Movement builds the brain, not just the body

Here’s a fun fact: a child’s brain isn’t fully developed when they’re born. In fact, much of the brain wires itself based on how they interact with the world—especially through movement. When a child runs, climbs, skips, or even falls and gets back up, their brain is working overtime to process balance, coordination, decision-making, and even emotional regulation. It's all learning—just disguised as play.


Playing leads to repetition and this is beneficial for the brain

Every time your child practices a skill—let’s say kicking a ball or climbing stairs—their brain creates connections between neurons. These are called synapses. And the more they repeat the activity, the stronger that connection becomes. Think of it like this: the first time they do something new, it’s like making a path through the jungle. But with repetition, that path becomes a road, then a highway. This is how skills become automatic, and how kids build everything from balance to problem-solving skills. So yes, when your child insists on doing the same thing over and over, whether it’s jumping on one leg or stacking blocks—they're not being stubborn. Their brain is literally laying down the foundation for lifelong skills.


Physical play boosts brain chemicals that makes kids happier

Running around doesn’t just help kids physically—it changes their brain chemistry. Active play increases feel-good chemicals like:

• Endorphins – Nature’s painkiller and mood booster
• Dopamine – The motivation and reward chemical
• Serotonin – Helps with mood, sleep, and digestion
• BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor) – A protein that helps neurons grow and connect

These brain chemicals aren’t just for mood—they’re also critical for focus, memory, and learning. So if your child’s struggling with attention or feeling cranky, a good dose of outdoor play could work better than nagging or screen time.


Movement teaches focus, not just energy-burning

Many adults think kids “just need to burn off energy.” And while it’s true that movement helps restless kids settle down, there’s so much more going on. When a child plays a game they are learning: How to follow instructions, how to control impulses, how to stay focused on goals and how to anticipate what others will do. These are all executive function skills—the same mental muscles they’ll use later in life to plan, manage time, stay organized, and make smart decisions. Who knew a game of freeze tag could help with school readiness?


Play encourages problem-solving and creativity

Have you ever watched a group of kids invent a game from scratch? It’s magic.



One minute they’re pirates, the next they are astronauts on Mars. While they’re running around “playing pretend,” their brains are practicing role-playing and empathy, conflict resolution, flexible thinking, language skills and leadership and cooperation. This kind of imaginative physical play is especially important for cognitive flexibility, which helps kids switch between tasks, adapt to change, and think creatively, that are all essential in today’s fast-paced world.


Moving outdoors = better sleep, mood, and immune health

We can’t talk about healthy kids without mentioning the outdoors. When children run and play outside in natural light, they get more Vitamin D (essential for mood and immunity), better sleep quality (thanks to light-regulated circadian rhythms), reduced stress and anxiety, stronger bones from load-bearing play like jumping and climbing. Also, outdoor play stimulates multiple senses—sight, smell, sound, touch—which is important for sensory integration and emotional regulation.


Let kids “fail” physically—It’s how they learn

Falling, fumbling, and failing aren’t just okay—they’re essential for brain development.


When a child stumbles while running or doesn’t catch the ball, their brain says, “Hmm, that didn’t work—let’s try another way.” This trial-and-error loop sharpens their resilience, motor planning, risk assessment skills and perseverance



So next time your child says, “I can’t do it!”—don’t jump in right away. Let them try. Their brain is learning way more than you think.


Screen time isn't the enemy—But movement is non-negotiable

Look, screens are everywhere. They’re not going away, and not all screen time is bad. But here’s the deal: screen time should never replace movement. A good rule of thumb? For every hour of screen time, aim for at least 30–60 minutes of movement. For younger kids (under 6), active play should dominate the day. If you’re stuck indoors, get creative! Dance parties, obstacle courses in the living room, yoga sessions, or even balloon volleyball—all count.


Want to sneak more movement into your child’s day? Here are a few playful ideas animal races (bear crawl, crab walk, frog jump), dance freeze game with music, obstacle course with cushions, chairs, and ropes, scavenger hunt around the house or park, jump rope challenges, balancing games on one leg or a beam and helping with chores—like sweeping or watering plants—counts as movement!


Here’s the truth: a still child is not necessarily a well-behaved or successful child. Movement is how children learn best—with their whole body and brain engaged. So next time your child’s running wild, instead of saying “Stop jumping!” or “Settle down!”—try watching with fresh eyes. That chaos is brain-building in action. Their coordination, confidence, memory, emotions, creativity—all of it is being sculpted every time they move.


Let them run. Let them fall. Let them climb trees and scrape knees. You’re not just raising a kid—you’re helping wire a brain that’s ready for the world.