15/05/2026
There was a time when “going out to play” was simply part of childhood.
After school and at weekends, children would meet up with friends on the street near their homes, explore their neighbourhoods, create games, solve disagreements, take risks, build confidence, and slowly make sense of the world around them. Those everyday moments of free play were doing far more than “keeping children busy”. They were supporting emotional regulation, social connection, problem solving, resilience, body awareness, communication, and a sense of belonging.
Today, many children have far fewer opportunities for this kind of independent outdoor play and in person connection with peers. Research is increasingly showing that this reduction is linked with rising emotional difficulties, anxiety, low mood, loneliness, and reduced social emotional wellbeing in children. Recent UK studies found that children who spend more time playing outdoors tend to have stronger social skills and fewer behavioural and emotional difficulties.
This is not about blaming parents.
The world has changed. Roads are busier, communities can feel less connected, screens compete for attention, and many families no longer feel that outdoor independence is safe or accessible. But it is a reminder that play is not a luxury. It is a nervous system need.
For neurodivergent children especially, unstructured outdoor play can offer opportunities for movement, sensory regulation, autonomy, creativity, coregulation with peers, and freedom from constant demands and performance expectations.
Sometimes the most supportive thing we can offer children is time, space, movement, connection, and permission to simply play.
