Outdoor play in Europe: terminology and state of research, practice, and policy
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Outdoor play (OP) is strongly associated with human health, development, and wellbeing, yet modern lifestyles and changing environments increasingly restrict opportunities for OP. The state of OP in Europe is not well understood, as there is limited alignment among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers in defining, researching, or promoting opportunities for OP within communities and across Europe more broadly. This study aims to offer a comprehensive assessment of the European OP system by mapping its core elements-terminology, research, practice, and policy. This mixed-methods study collected data through expert-elicitation from countries across Europe, with particular focus on traditionally underrepresented regions. Although there has recently been more emphasis on the health benefits of OP, conceptual and ontological differences relating to OP continue to challenge any consistent harmonization or cross-country comparison processes. Based on these observations, we formulate actions to strengthen the OP system across Europe, including enhancing monitoring, promoting supportive policy, and leveraging international, cross-disciplinary forums. Coordinated researcher and practitioner networks can identify priorities, support mission-driven projects, and inform Europe-level policies to expand OP opportunities and drive positive, resilient continental health outcomes.
Authors: Lærke Mygind, Avril Johnstone, Artan R Kryeziu, Benjamin Billet, Christine Delisle Nyström, Ellen Beate Sandseter, Evelin Mäestu, Getter Marie Lemberg, Gillian Cante, Helen Dodd, Javier Brazo-Sayavera, Juel Jarani, Kamil Maciaszek, Konstantina Rentzou, Mads Bølling, Manon A T Bloemen, Marianne Mannello, Marie Bradwell, Marie Löf, Marjaana Kangas, Mark Leather, Michelle Bergin, Nika Bezjak, Peter Bakalár, Sanja Salaj, Shawnda A Morrison, Signe Siklander, Silvia Veiga-Seijo, Stevo Popovic, Tamás Csányi, Thomas Morgenthaler, Peter Bentsen
Institutions: Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, University of Prishtina, Ministry of Sports, Ministério do Esporte, Karolinska Institutet, Queen Maud University College, University of Tartu, Université de Strasbourg, University of Exeter, Universidad Pablo de Olavide, University of Ioannina, VIA University College, University of Applied Sciences Utrecht, Plymouth Marjon University, University of Lapland, University College Cork, University of Ljubljana, University of Prešov, Palacký University Olomouc, University of Zagreb, National University of Singapore, University of Oulu, Universidade da Coruña, Queen Margaret University, Korea University, University of Montenegro, Eötvös Loránd University, Hungarian University of Sports Science, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Copenhagen
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: $3,181
OpenAlex ID: W7142091422