Children in the UK are spending less time outdoors than previous generations, according to a new survey of 500 parents by homebuilder Barratt Redrow. Some 59% of parents say their children spend less time outside than they did at the same age, and child development expert Dr Amanda Gummer is urging families to think about a balanced “play diet”.
Dr Gummer, a research psychologist from the Association of Play Industries, said: “Children haven’t changed nearly as much as the world around them has. They are still naturally curious, creative and driven to explore, but they now must navigate a far more structured and risk-averse environment.”
The research comes as Barratt Redrow launches its new Great Places framework, which sets out eight principles for creating healthy communities. It builds on the company’s 2025 inclusive play commitment to make play spaces more accessible, imaginative and welcoming for children of all ages and abilities.
Outdoor play: how often?
When parents were asked how often their children play outside each week:
- 37% said their child plays outside every day
- 33% said several times a week
- 30% said less than a few times a week
Dr Gummer points to a decline in independent mobility, with fewer children able to walk or cycle to friends’ houses or local parks without an adult. Busy family lives, worries about traffic and antisocial behaviour, and ever more engaging digital entertainment all play a part.
“That doesn’t mean children no longer want to play outside,” she said. “When they have access to welcoming, well-designed spaces and opportunities to meet friends, they embrace them enthusiastically.”
What would get children outside more?
Asked what would encourage their children to spend more time outdoors, parents put safer places to play top (25%). This was followed by more friends nearby (20%), better-quality playgrounds (19%), better weather (19%) and more green space or parks nearby (16%).
Barratt Redrow’s research also found that 93% of people looking to buy a home value safe streets that are easy to navigate.
“Many families want to spend more time outdoors but don’t always feel that their local environment supports them,” said Dr Gummer. “Safe walking routes, accessible parks, well-maintained playgrounds and green spaces all make a significant difference.”
The health benefits of outdoor play
According to Dr Gummer, children who spend more time outdoors tend to:
- Be more physically active and spend less time sitting still
- Build stronger muscles, bones and heart fitness through running, climbing, balancing and jumping
- Develop better movement skills such as coordination, balance and agility, which lay the foundations for lifelong sport and exercise
- Have healthier body weights, with regular outdoor play helping to reduce the risk of childhood obesity
- Get more daylight, which supports vitamin D production and helps regulate sleep
What is a balanced play diet?
Dr Gummer recommends a “balanced play diet” as a simple way for parents to think about the mix of activities their children enjoy. Different types of play support different parts of a child’s development:
- Free play in parks or nature encourages creativity, problem-solving, independence and confidence
- Climbing, balancing and scrambling build strength, coordination and risk assessment
- Ball games improve coordination, reaction time and teamwork
- Cycling, scooting and skateboarding build fitness, balance and perseverance
- Nature exploration such as bug hunting, den building or gardening supports curiosity, scientific thinking and emotional wellbeing
- Adventure or risky play, when age-appropriate and sensibly supervised, helps children judge risk, manage fear and become more resilient
- Play with friends develops communication, cooperation, negotiation and conflict resolution
“Just as we wouldn’t expect a healthy diet to consist of only one food group, healthy development comes from experiencing different kinds of play across different environments,” she said.
Joe Stenson, Group Head of Urban Design at Barratt Redrow, said: “This is not simply about installing playground equipment. It is about designing streets, green spaces and neighbourhoods where children and parents feel welcome, where play is part of everyday life, and where communities can become healthier, more connected and full of life.”
