Health · Fitness & Nutrition · 11 hrs ago
Outdoor risk-taking play linked to better health in children
Researchers found outdoor risk-taking play was linked to better health and thinking skills in children aged 3 to 12.
The review by researchers at the universities of Exeter and British Columbia examined 74 studies from around the world.
Examples included climbing trees, cycling downhill, paddling in streams and playful roughhousing.
The findings suggest that letting children explore risks within limits can support physical and mental health, wellbeing and learning.
The researchers said children also need room to shape their own play and make mistakes, while noting that the link between roughhousing and aggression is unclear.
Parents are encouraged to give children more chances to play freely outdoors, but the researchers did not prescribe a specific amount of risk-taking play.
A meta-analysis found that outdoor risk-taking play is linked to better physical and mental health in children.
The review covered 74 international studies of children aged three to 12.
Activities included climbing trees, riding bikes downhill, paddling in streams and playful roughhousing.
The researchers also found links with stronger learning and thinking abilities, while the relationship between roughhousing and aggression remained unclear.
The research team said children need opportunities to shape their own play and explore risks within limits.
- Who
- Researchers from the universities of Exeter and British Columbia conducted the review.
- What
- A meta-analysis linked outdoor risk-taking play with better health and other benefits for children.
- When
- The article was published on 2026-10-29. The date of the study is Not stated.
- Where
- The review covered international studies. The researchers’ universities are in Exeter and British Columbia.
- Why
- The researchers said such play may benefit children’s health and development and offer learning opportunities.
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- Studies reviewed
- 74 international studies
- Children’s ages
- Three to 12 years
- Researchers’ institutions
- Universities of Exeter and British Columbia
- Journal
- PLOS One
What people are saying
If we deny children the opportunity to play in the way earlier generations took for granted, we deprive them of valuable learning opportunities closely linked to their health and development.