A new report from UNICEF has underlined the importance of outdoor play, as research increasingly shows that children of all ages enjoy enhanced physical, emotional health – and even better academic outcomes – as a result of being outside.
19th August 2025
Yet, despite the growing awareness of the importance of playing outdoors, in many parts of the world kids spend less time than ever outdoors, and more sitting or glued to screens. Equally, certain groups, including those from ethnic backgrounds, girls, older kids and children living in urban districts, may be less likely than others to find themselves under the sky during their free time.
(One study from Exeter University, for example, published last autumn, found that by the age of two, girls are already playing outside less than boys.)
The UNICEF report is backed up by findings published earlier this summer which reveal a 50% decline in outdoor play across England – that’s according to the Raising the Nation Play Commission. This blamed playground closures, busier roads, shorter school breaks and increased smartphone use.
This fall is worrying given that there are now dozens of pieces of research showing that being outside, particularly during unstructured free play, has implications for children's physical health, social skills, concentration and their preparedness for school.
One of the most obvious advantages is that outdoor play typically makes youngsters more physically active, so it’s better for their general and cardiovascular health.
Although many fall short of these guidelines, as a minimum the World Health Organization recommends that:
By playing outside, children are more likely to meet these targets. Indeed, one piece of research revealed that those who were outdoors for at least a couple of hours a day had more than a quarter (27%) more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity than those who remained indoors.
Increasingly, studies are finding that youngsters who spend more time in nature develop better focus, reduced stress and improved emotional resilience.
One study of pre-school children in Norway found that the more time they spent outside every day, the less likely they were to display symptoms of ADHD. Meanwhile, a smaller piece of research found that just a 20-minute walk in a park improved concentration in youngsters with the condition.
Another factor behind open-air play is that kids are likelier to take risks, whether that’s jumping from a height or climbing trees. Of course, we all want our children to be safe and such risks need to be calculated, but risk-taking outdoors is part of growing up and can contribute to social skills, resilience and creativity as well as daily activity quotas. And a little healthy competition at the same time is no bad thing!
You may think that academic study or a structured sport is more important than free outdoor play. Or you may worry about children getting dirty or the weather. But the benefits of outdoor play invariably outweigh any potential concerns.
One way all children can access the great outdoors safely for free play and structured physical activity is at an outdoor gym. And they can do this regardless of gender, age or ability. They’ll experience all the mental and physical health benefits listed above and more, as they get into good exercise habits for life.
So if you’re a parent, school, parish council or similar organisation, you could lobby your community for a facility like this. Fresh Air Fitness can help, as the leading, award-winning provider of top-quality outdoor gym equipment across the UK.
We work with primary and secondary schools so that kids get the time outside and physical activity they need. And if funding’s an issue talk to one of our expert advisers – we’ve secured funds for numerous open-air gym projects UK-wide.
Get in touch today and learn more about installing your outdoor gym – we’ll be only too happy to answer any queries you may have.
Back to all blog posts