Scientists have linked regular walks in the park with the well-being of children

Children who were taken to the park or playground at least once a week, on average, received more favorable assessments of mental well-being and socio-emotional development. Scientists from the Universities of Exeter and Bristol studied the data of 4,219 children and found that the relationship persisted after family circumstances were taken into account. About how researchers compared children in different years and why the accessibility of parks is important for families — in the material of Izvestia.

What scientists learned from the Children of the 90s project

The source of the data was the British ALSPAC project, known as the "Children of the 90s". In 1991-1992, researchers recruited more than 14,000 pregnant women from Bristol and the surrounding area, and then continued to monitor the health and development of their children. The participants have grown up, many have their own families.

The researchers selected 4,219 children from this group to work on parks. The assessments of socio-emotional development ranged from the ages of four to 11 years. Information about visiting parks was collected from an earlier age. Researcher Mark Ferguson clarified that when comparing regular visits, the period from six months to 11 years was considered.

By socio-emotional development, the authors understood, in particular, the ability to cope with feelings, get along with peers, and respond to everyday difficulties. These skills are formed gradually. For example, at preschool age, a child learns to arrange the order of play, and later the same skills help him to join in common activities and build friendships.

What does the difference of 16.5 mean?%

According to the authors, children who were taken to the park at least once a week during the study period had an average of 16.5% better mental well-being scores than those who visited there less frequently.

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The number reflects the difference in average ratings of everyday emotional and behavioral difficulties. In a preliminary analysis of the same cohort, Ferguson used a questionnaire for parents, which he spoke about at a conference of the International Society of Environmental Epidemiology. The answers helped to assess how pronounced the child's difficulties were, for example, in communicating with peers. These scales allow you to compare groups and monitor changes with age. Other data would have been needed to calculate clinical diagnoses.

Repeated observations made it possible to compare children from different families and monitor the changes in the same child. During periods when children visited parks more often, their development indicators were usually more favorable. This comparison helps to take into account persistent differences between children, such as family characteristics that persist from year to year. The authors also checked whether the conclusion changes with other analysis options, and obtained a similar picture.

The calculations took into account the socio-economic situation of the family, unfavorable housing conditions and the mental health of the mother. The researchers did not assign the frequency of walks. Families decided on their own when to go to the park, and their circumstances could change along with the child's routine. Therefore, the results describe a stable relationship. To assess the contribution of visiting the park itself, we need data on what the children were doing there and what other play opportunities they had near their home.

What children can get from walking

There are several things happening on the playground at the same time. The child can move more, come up with a game, or get to know their peers. Such classes provide an opportunity to practice the skills mentioned by the authors. The British study looked at the frequency of visits itself, so based on its results, it is impossible to determine which part of the observed relationship is explained by movement, communication, or time spent outside the home.

In a separate paper published in 2025 in Wellbeing, Space & According to Society, Ferguson and his colleagues studied 2,568 children from a multi-ethnic urban cohort in Bradford. More frequent outdoor games there were associated with better socio-emotional indicators, and the association with park visits turned out to be weak or inconsistent. This result helps to understand why the authors of the new paper suggest checking observations in other cities. The playing opportunities and habits of families may vary even within the same country.

Why accessibility of ad platforms is important

In early childhood, parks were more often visited by children from more prosperous families. As I got older, this pattern changed. In some groups, children from families with fewer resources visited parks more often. Scientists note that visiting the park is usually free or requires small expenses. Therefore, public spaces can expand opportunities for play in areas where families have limited choice of paid activities.

To do this, the site should be convenient to use. The proximity to the house helps if you can safely walk to the park, and the playground itself has a place for games suitable for children of different ages. Ferguson draws attention to the fact that the space should be accessible and comfortable for families with different needs. The authors consider regular attendance as an opportunity for development, and the frequency of "once a week" was the boundary by which they compared the children in the study.