Parent and Family Influences on Active Free Play

Active free play is a specific type of play, defined as spontaneous and voluntary activities that take place outdoors with minimal direct adult supervision or control. It may be social or solitary, can involve games with informal rules, and must include bursts of physical activity. Children engage in active free play in parks, playgrounds, streets, and natural environments. Examples of active free play include running, climbing, chasing, and informal games, but not organized sports. Active free play research often also includes the study of active transportation, specifically in terms of children walking or cycling to play areas.