Health · Medical Research · 1 hr ago
Weekly park visits linked to better mental health in children
Researchers at the University of Exeter studied 4,219 children aged 4 to 11 using data from a long-running study of children in the UK.
They looked at social and emotional development, including how children manage feelings and get along with others.
Children taken to parks or play areas at least once a week from birth to age 11 had 16.5% higher average mental-health assessment scores than those who went less often.
The findings suggest regular park visits may support children’s emotional wellbeing and social skills.
Parks can give children room to be active and to play imaginatively, which may help build confidence and independence.
The researchers say weekly park visits could be a practical way to support healthy development, though the study does not establish that visits alone caused the difference.
Children who visited parks and play areas at least weekly had better average mental-health assessment scores than those who went less often, a study found.
The study examined 4,219 children aged 4 to 11 using data from the Children of the 90s project.
Weekly visits from birth through age 11 were associated with scores that were 16.5% higher on average.
The researchers said parks may support emotional wellbeing and social skills by offering space for activity and imaginative play.
- Who
- Researchers at the University of Exeter studied 4,219 children aged 4 to 11.
- What
- The study linked visiting parks and play areas at least weekly with better average mental-health assessment scores.
- When
- The research considered park visits from birth through age 11. It was published on November 12, 2026.
- Where
- The study was conducted by the University of Exeter. The children’s locations are not stated.
- Why
- Researchers examined how children’s park visits related to socio-emotional development and mental health.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Researchers assessed children’s park visits over this period and compared outcomes according to how often they went.
ANSA reported on the study, which was published in Epidemiology and Community Health.
- Study participants
- 4,219 children
- Age range
- 4–11 years
- Weekly visits
- Associated with average mental-health assessment scores 16.5% higher
- Study institution
- University of Exeter
- Journal
- Epidemiology and Community Health
What people are saying
Our research suggests that encouraging children to visit parks and play areas at least once a week could be a practical way to support their emotional wellbeing, social skills and mental health
Parks offer children a space to be physically active—which supports both physical and mental health—and encourage adventurous and imaginative play, helping to develop self-confidence and independence