The outdoor playmate is disappearing from the streetscape

Almost half of all children (47%) say that a lack of playmates is a reason for staying indoors. This is concerning, because playing outside is essential for children’s physical, mental and social development.

Why children are playing outside less and less

New independent research by Verian, commissioned by Jantje Beton and the Dutch Association for Play & Exercise, shows that outdoor play is under pressure. As many as 47% of children do not play outside because there are too few other children. The result: they stay indoors, often alone, and reach for a screen more quickly.

National Outdoor Play Day 2025: ‘Turn back playtime’

During National Outdoor Play Day on 11 June, Jantje Beton used the theme ‘Turn back playtime’ to call for more space and freedom to play – like in the past. The national launch took place at Nellestein primary school in Amsterdam-Zuidoost, together with neuropsychologist Erik Scherder and alderwoman Melanie van der Horst.

Generational study: outdoor play has changed

The generational study shows how much outdoor play has changed. Whereas grandparents used to roam freely around the neighbourhood, today only 28% of children are allowed to play outside independently. Playtime is also increasingly arranged through parents (23% now versus 3% in the past).

Children do want to play outside – they love adventure and play – but they lack space, playmates and freedom. Meanwhile, more than one in four (28%) would rather choose a screen than the pavement.

Playing outside is more important than ever for children

The research shows that outdoor play still has a strong impact: 88% of people across all generations feel happy and strong after playing outside. According to Jantje Beton and neuropsychologist Erik Scherder, playing outside is not a luxury but a basic need. “A child’s brain does not develop behind a screen, but outside – through movement and together with others.”

Shared responsibility for more outdoor play

Mascha van Werven of Jantje Beton is therefore clear: “Playing outside is anything but a given. That is why we must work together to create more space for play and pay more attention to the playmate. In fact, every day should be an outdoor play day.”