Moreover, parents are sometimes hesitant to encourage their children to play outside because of the anticipated risks. This is despite the fact that many children enjoy playing outdoors. They can get plenty of exercise, play together and discover things. In this way, playing outdoors contributes to their development. However, policy attention to the subject of outdoor play is constantly changing.

It has been established that it is difficult to obtain a comprehensive overview of the entire country, both in terms of children’s outdoor play behaviour and the available play space and policies implemented. Based on existing data sources, it is not possible to provide a key figure for the amount of outdoor play by Dutch children aged 0–12. Research does show that playing outdoors in schoolyards and playgrounds can contribute to meeting the physical activity guideline.

Other important findings from the study are:

  • Following a resurgence in policy attention as a result of a bill on the statutory standard for play space in 2003, the policy issue has once again somewhat disappeared from view at national level over the past decade.
  • National policy on outdoor play is primarily focused on the safe design and use of formal play spaces through the Commodities Act (Attractions and Play Equipment).
  • In the Netherlands, municipalities and several national foundations in particular take the lead in developing local play-space policy. There are clear differences in local play-space policy, for example in whether policy is aimed at everyone or at specific target groups.
  • In many municipalities, the policy issue occupies a relatively marginal position, and policy attention fluctuates partly as a result of staff changes.
  • There is little insight into the implementation and effects of policy measures at local level. Too little is known about actual use of play spaces and demonstrable effects to determine whether policy on outdoor play in the Netherlands is effective or not.
  • It is recommended that the coming years be used to establish a coordinated policy boost for outdoor play and a policy-oriented knowledge agenda.

As a first concrete step in this initiative, six organisations active in this field launched the ‘De Buitenspelers’ alliance on 6 June 2020. The alliance develops new initiatives based on children’s own ideas. The organisations involved are: Jantje Beton, Nickelodeon, Krajicek Foundation, Johan Cruyff Foundation, Mulier Institute and the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. For more information: www.buitenspelers.com.