Outdoor Play

Outdoor play is an important source of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for children. Urban caregivers emphasized unsafe roads, lack of play space and neighbour restrictions. Rural caregivers also described supervision and safety concerns in both home and open environments. The article contrasts historical outdoor routines with the modern emphasis on indoor work and controlled environments. Across 21 European countries, only 47% to 53% of children meet the recommendation for at least two hours per day of active play including outdoor play. Previous generations commonly expected children to spend time outside. Outdoor play was routine in previous generations. Lack of safe outdoor play was a major driver of screen use. Policy implications included prioritising parks and playgrounds, particularly in low-income neighbourhoods.