Children are playing outside less and less, a trend we clearly see increasing in the Netherlands. Screens draw attention indoors, while streets become busier and playgrounds sometimes feel boring or unsafe. This has consequences for both health and the development of children. In this article, we explain why. playing outside how important it is what goes wrong and what you can do about it.
Why are children playing outside less and less?
Children play outside less due to a combination of factors: the rise of smartphones and tablets, busier neighborhood traffic, less greenery in cities, and a culture in which parents keep their children indoors more often for safety reasons. Together, these factors cause a shift from outside to inside.
The digital world plays a major role in this. Games, social media, and streaming services offer a constant stream of stimuli that is hard to resist, especially for children. But the environment outside the home also plays a part. If the street is full of cars and there is no challenging play area nearby, children are quick to choose the couch. Moreover, parents sometimes do not feel comfortable letting children play outside independently, which further restricts their freedom of movement.
What are the consequences of less outdoor play for children?
Less outdoor play has direct consequences for children's physical and mental health. They move less, which can lead to being overweight, poorer fitness, and less well-developed motor skills. Additionally, they miss out on social interaction and the free, creative play experience that makes outdoor play unique.
Playing outdoors also stimulates cognitive development. Children learn to handle risks, solve problems, and develop perseverance. These are skills you do not acquire behind a screen. Moreover, contact with nature and fresh air has a proven positive effect on concentration and mood. Children who play outside regularly sleep better, are less prone to anxiety, and generally feel fitter and happier.
How much do children in the Netherlands move on average per day?
The Dutch physical activity standard for children aged 4 to 18 is at least one hour of moderate to intensive physical activity per day. In practice, a large proportion of children do not meet this standard. Older children and teenagers, in particular, are structurally physically insufficient, which is a cause for concern among health organizations and municipalities.
Playing outdoors is one of the easiest and most natural ways to meet that physical activity standard. Cycling, running, climbing, and jumping all count. It is not about children participating in organized sports, but simply about them being active. Free outdoor play is an excellent way to achieve this, provided the environment is conducive to it.
What makes an outdoor play area attractive to children?
An attractive outdoor play area for children combines challenge, freedom, and safety. Children are drawn to places where they can learn, discover, or improve: places that are neither too easy nor too difficult. Variety in activities, a social atmosphere, and good accessibility also play a major role.
Consider the following elements that make a playground attractive:
- Challenge on multiple levels, so that both beginners and advanced players enjoy it
- Space for multiple activities, such as cycling, skateboarding, running, or just hanging out
- Social attraction: a place where other children are already present attracts more children
- Safety without excessive rules, so that parents feel at ease
- Accessibility for all ages, from toddlers to teenagers and even adults
Create a inclusive playground that is accessible to all children ensures that no one feels excluded. That greatly increases the social value of the place.
How do you encourage children to play outside more?
You encourage children to play outside more by making the outdoor environment more attractive than the indoor alternative. You do this by going outside together, consciously limiting screen time, and ensuring there is a fun, challenging place nearby that children want to go to.
Practical tips that really work:
- Go along yourselfChildren follow the example of adults. If you are active outdoors, they will too.
- Make agreements with other parents: a friend immediately makes playing outside more fun.
- Choose a regular play area in the neighborhoodA familiar environment lowers the threshold.
- Limit screen time at fixed times: not as punishment, but as structure.
- Let children decide for themselves what they do.: playing freely without rules is the most motivating.
It is not about forcing children. It is about creating the right circumstances. View our completed projects for inspiration on how municipalities and neighborhoods successfully tackle this.
What role does a pumptrack play in promoting outdoor play?
A pump track is one of the most effective outdoor play areas for getting children active outdoors. The track is challenging for all ages, requires no specific equipment, and encourages repetition. Children return because they constantly want to improve themselves, making outdoor play a natural habit.
What makes a pumptrack so special is the combination of accessibility and challenge. A child on a balance bike can use it just as well as a teenager on a BMX or an adult on a mountain bike. This mix of users creates a lively, social environment that attracts children. And a busy place attracts even more children: a positive spiral that promotes outdoor play.
How Velosolutions helps with more outdoor play in your neighborhood
At Velosolutions, we believe that a good outdoor play area makes all the difference. We design and build permanent asphalt pumptracks that meet all Dutch safety requirements, including certification according to NEN-EN 14974. Our tracks are for everyone, from a toddler on a balance bike to an adult on a road bike, and they are wheelchair-friendly.
What we offer:
- Create a complete process from design to delivery and annual maintenance
- Tracks that suitable for all ages and levels
- Multifunctional designs that fit into a neighborhood, park, or school environment
- Assistance with grant applications and collaboration with municipalities
- More than 500 completed pumptracks worldwide, with 10 years of experience
Do you want to know what is possible in your municipality or neighborhood? Discover who we are and read how we have already helped dozens of municipalities. Or request a no-obligation consultation, then we would be happy to think along with you.
