Playing outdoors: What do children do, where and with whom?
In their October newsletter, Play Scotland share findings from a study in the Netherlands, February 2022 to March 2023. This recorded children’s play behaviour after school in three post-war residential districts in three cities in The Netherlands. This study showed differences in play behaviour by gender, age, district and play [...]
Early Childhood Nature Connections Toolkit
Many cities are eager to find ways to bring nature’s benefits to young children where they live, play and learn. The Children and Nature Network share some valuable resources exploring Early Childhood Nature Connection Pathways through this online Early Childhood Nature Connections Toolkit. The four main pathways that cities can [...]
Outdoor play: benefits, influencing factors and actual behaviour of kids
Despite the benefits of outdoor play, fewer and fewer children are playing outside. This Child in the City article (3 November 2022) explores how many policy visions and investments are still based on assumptions made by officials or suppliers of play equipment. When children are involved, they are often asked [...]
More space and play opportunities – that’s what children want in a post-pandemic world
This Child in the City article (2 November 2022) reports on a new study by Play Wales and Swansea University. Children say they want more space and more time to play with their friends following the COVID pandemic. They also would like more protected places to play, which includes investment [...]
Call for more city parks to improve children’s lungs
Child in the City (29 July 2022) have shared findings from a study which took place in the Portuguese city of Porto. This study suggests that more must be done to ensure children have access to parks and other green spaces to improve their lung health. The study, published in the [...]
Developing nature based skills in young people and connecting children to nature in urban settings
Cities Connecting Children to Nature have shared some great resources. These are designed to support those working to connect urban children to nature and develop outdoor nature based skills in young people. The strategic toolkit and guidance document are set in the US context, but will be of value to [...]
Lessons from Brazil: Youngsters can benefit from ‘naturalised parks’ in cities
Child in the City (7 July 2022) report on this wonderful initiative to create naturalised parks in Brazilian cities. This brings major benefits to children’s play and development, and to local communities. Find out more and watch the inspiring video.
Sponge parks and vertical gardens
This Child in The City article (18-03-2022) explores how cities are using nature to overcome extreme weather. It describes nature-based solutions for flood-prone Manchester.
