Childhood has changed significantly in recent times. Many parents can remember afternoons spent riding bikes around the neighbourhood, building cubby houses out of whatever was lying around, or simply being told to “go play outside” until dinner. Today, family life in many homes looks different. Families are busier and screens capture kids (& many adults) attention in a way that the outdoors cannot.
But one thing hasn’t changed, children need to play outside still.
But the research shows that children are now spending less time outside than previous generations and phones, tablets, computers and other devices seem to be winning the battle for kids attention.
Outdoor play is not just about keeping kids busy during school holidays or burning off energy after school. Research shows that spending time playing outside helps support children’s physical health, but also provides benefits to emotional health, creativity and learning as well.
In a world where many children spend less time outside than previous generations, encouraging outdoor play matters more than ever. When children play outdoors, they are doing much more than running around. They are experimenting, solving problems, negotiating with others, and learning independence.
Nature-based and outdoor play has been linked to improvements in physical and mental health, resilience, sleep, and learning outcomes. Research also shows that unstructured outdoor play helps develop focus, flexible thinking, and problem-solving skills. Studies have also found that children who spend more time outdoors tend to be more cooperative and socially expressive.
Despite the benefits, many children are playing outside less than previous generations. One Australian report found that only around one in three children engage in free outdoor play daily.
There are plenty of reasons for this. Technology is part of the problem, but it’s not the only issue. Busy family schedules, smaller backyards, safety concerns, and structured activities all play a role.
This doesn’t mean families need to plan elaborate adventures or expensive holidays. Often, the simplest outdoor spaces are the most valuable.
While travel and day trips are wonderful, everyday outdoor play often happens much closer to home. Either in the backyard, the local park, or out and about in the local area.
For many families, the backyard has become an important place for imagination and exploration. A space where kids can climb, build, dig, splash, invent games, or simply lie on the grass watching clouds.
This “everyday adventure” idea aligns closely with the staycation trend many families have embraced in recent years. You don’t always need to go far to create memorable experiences.
Businesses focused on outdoor living are seeing this shift firsthand. Australian outdoor-living retailer The Best Backyard recently reported they are seeing record demand for cubby houses, swings, sand and water play, and sensory outdoor activities designed to encourage children to spend more time outside.
Also many family holiday destinations now build outdoor play into the experience. For example, Discovery Parks offers playgrounds, bike tracks, jumping pillows and open green spaces designed for active family time.
One of the most overlooked benefits of outdoor play is how it brings families together.
Playing outside often slows things down. It brings the adults outside who often put their phones down and engage with the children and other adults. Conversations happen naturally while pushing a swing or helping build a fort from sticks. Siblings invent games together without needing instructions.
Outdoor play also encourages independence. When children lead their own play, they develop confidence, resilience, and creativity. Sometimes the simplest experiences become the most memorable - anything from water play on a hot day to evening bike rides and backyard picnics can be wonderful experiences. These moments don’t require planning or travel. They just require time outside.
Encouraging outdoor play doesn’t have to be complicated. Small changes can make a big difference:
Even short periods outdoors can support children’s wellbeing and development.
Outdoor play doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive. It can happen in a backyard, a local park, a beach, or a patch of grass at the end of the street.
What matters is giving children space to explore, imagine, move, and connect with the world around them. Sometimes the best adventures really do start just outside the back door!
