Outdoor play: Current status, challenges, and opportunities in the Asia region
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: In September 2025, a globally informed 2025 Position Statement on Active Outdoor Play will be launched to renew momentum for advancing outdoor play worldwide for planetary health. This study was conducted to support its development, by providing a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, challenges, and opportunities for outdoor play specifically within the Asia region, in parallel with five other regional reviews for global representation. Environmental scan, expert consultation, and thematic analysis of qualitative feedback were conducted. The results indicated that outdoor play in Asia has collectively declined over the past decade, despite its well-established benefits for the health and well-being of both humans and the environment. This study also identified a multitude of factors that influence outdoor play within the socioecological framework. Understanding regional challenges and leveraging culturally grounded strengths is a critical first step toward implementing locally relevant policies and community-driven initiatives. Policy makers should reframe outdoor play not as a luxury or extracurricular activity, but as a public health imperative and fundamental right for all children. Strategic investments in urban infrastructure, safety, inclusive programming, and educational curricula can foster more supportive environments. By recognizing outdoor play as essential for planetary health, Asian countries can lead the way in building more active, equitable, and resilient communities.
Authors: Eun-Young Lee, Yeonjae Oh, Ameneh Baghestani, Jonathan Y. Cagas, Sitong Chen, Wendy Y. Huang, Justin Y. Jeon, Hyunshik Kim, Yang Liu, Merilyn Lock, Tom Loney, Marla Frances T. Mallari, Agus Mahendra, Lina Majed, Shawnda A. Morrison, Susan Paudel, Mohd Razif Shahril, Narayan Subedi, Po-Yu Wang
Institutions: Yonsei University, Queen's University, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of the Philippines Mindanao, Shenzhen University, Hong Kong Baptist University, Sendai University, Shanghai University of Sport, Hamad bin Khalifa University, University of the Philippines Diliman, Indonesia University of Education, National University of Singapore, Deakin University, National University of Malaysia, National Taiwan Normal University
Language: English
Topic: Urban Green Space and Health
Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,180
Award: G8230360811
OpenAlex ID: W7128427735