Why kids are spending less time outdoors – and four easy ways to get them outside more
UK kids are playing outside less. Here’s why – plus expert tips to help your child swap screen time for fresh air fun.
You might have memories of making mud pies in the garden with siblings, of playing football in your local park, or of hanging out in public spaces with your neighbours. But today’s kids don’t seem to be playing outside as much as previous generations.
Outdoor Toys, a retailer of playground equipment, asked over 1000 UK parents of five to 12-year-old children about their outdoor play habits, screen time, and barriers to playing outside in July 2025.
The survey found that while 33% of the parents said that their children played outside for one to two hours a day, 30% said they played outside fewer than four times a week and 26% spent three hours or more on screens each day.
The amount of time spent playing outdoors varied from region to region; 40% of parents in Scotland said that their children played outside for one to two hours each day, while 29% of Manchester children spend less than an hour a day outdoors. And in Bristol, 13% of parents say their children only go outdoors at the weekend.
Why are children playing outdoors less than previous generations?
According to the survey, there are plenty of reasons why children are spending less time outdoors:
- A lack of nearby parks or playgrounds (30%)
- A lack of private outdoor space (15%)
- A lack of time around school and work routines (29% across the UK, but this rose to 37% in Northern England and 36% in Scotland)
- Poor weather (23%)
Natalie, nature play specialist at evergreenexploring.org, says: “We know that almost three in 10 parents say lack of free time is a barrier – but even small moments outside can spark big changes. At Evergreen Exploring, we’ve seen how outdoor play supports everything from physical development and motor coordination to creativity, problem-solving, resilience and vocabulary growth. These are the foundations children need to thrive – and they’re often built through mud, movement, and moments of trial and error.
“By stepping away from screens and into nature, children engage more fully with the world around them, build social skills, and learn to navigate challenges in ways that screens simply can’t replicate.”
Tips for getting kids outdoors:
Natalie and Outdoor Toys have some pointers for helping children get enthusiastic about the outdoors and fitting outside play into busy schedules.
- Turn a walk into a mini adventure. Make the journey home from school fun, collect autumn leaves, take photos of the sky, doodle cloud creatures, or hunt for bugs and birds. After the clocks change, spotting nocturnal animals like hedgehogs and owls adds excitement while encouraging curiosity and physical activity.
- Take homework outside. Move reading, spellings, or projects outdoors on a picnic blanket. Fresh air and a change of scenery can boost focus, creativity, and mood, supporting both mental wellbeing and learning.
- Schedule evening play. Set a regular slot for post-dinner park visits, stargazing walks, or short nocturnal treasure hunts in safe, well-lit areas. Routine outdoor time promotes fitness, mental health, and family connection.
- Don’t wait for perfect weather. Wrap up warm, embrace puddles and mud, and reward yourselves with a hot drink afterwards. Active outdoor play builds resilience, encourages physical fitness, and creates lasting memories, even on darker, wetter evenings.