Research on Adventurous Play and Child Mental Health

A study published in Child Psychiatry & Human Development looked at how adventurous play affects children’s mental health. Researchers asked parents of children aged 5–11 about their kids’ play habits and emotions.

Adventurous play is a type of play where kids take small risks and feel excited. It is “child-led,” meaning kids decide what to do instead of adults telling them.

They found that children who played more adventurously had fewer signs of anxiety and were happier during the first COVID-19 lockdown. This was especially true for children from lower-income families. The study compared adventurous play to unadventurous play and outdoor play, and it showed that only adventurous play had clear mental health benefits.

The researchers also found that adventurous play did not reduce negative emotions directly, but it did increase positive emotions. This means that children who engaged in more adventurous play were better at staying happy during stressful times.

But for kids from wealthier families, adventurous play didn’t always stop negative feelings. The study suggests that this kind of play may help kids deal with uncertainty and become emotionally stronger.

Understanding the Research 

This study looked at how different types of play affect children’s mental health. Researchers studied two groups of parents — one in Northern Ireland and another across Great Britain— to learn how much time kids spend playing and how they feel afterward.

They focused on three types of play:

• Adventurous play 
  
• Unadventurous play 
  
• Outdoor play – Any play outside, whether adventurous or not

The results showed that kids who had more adventurous play felt happier and less anxious or sad. On the other hand, kids who mostly played unadventurous games had more signs of stress and worry.

These were the specific findings:

• Kids who played adventurously were generally happier during the lockdown compared to those who didn’t.
• However, there was no clear link between adventurous play and reduced negative emotions (like sadness or distress).
• There was no connection between adventurous play and externalizing problems (like aggression or hyperactivity).

Surprisingly, just playing outside didn’t always make a difference — it was the type of play that mattered most.

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers 

Taking small risks while playing can help kids feel brave and handle challenges better. It teaches them to manage fear and stress, which makes them more resilient in daily life.

As parents and caregivers, we can take advantage of the benefits of adventurous play using these tips: 

Let kids explore

Give children the freedom to climb, jump, balance, and explore new environments. This freedom offers them opportunities to practice problem-solving.

Parents might be compelled to say “Be careful” all the time, and that’s completely normal. However, try guiding them with phrases like “Try using both hands.”

Avoid overprotecting

It’s natural to want to keep kids safe, but stepping in too quickly can stop them from learning how to manage risk on their own. If they want to balance on a fallen log or ride their bike, assess the situation.

If it’s safe enough, let them try. These are small risks that may help them understand their own limits and abilities.

Allow them to play outside often

Outdoor spaces like parks, playgrounds, and hiking trails offer natural challenges like uneven ground and open spaces to run. Here, they can get some fresh air while building strength and coordination.

Plus, being in nature reduces stress levels and boosts mood! 

Join the fun

Kids learn by watching adults, so show them that challenges can be exciting, not scary. You can try jumping or balancing with them. Remember that your participation makes playtime more fun. Even better, it strengthens your bond.

The researchers are also saying that because kids naturally enjoy adventurous play, efforts to provide more opportunities for it can be an effective way to support their mental health.

Want more resources to support children? Check out our complete collection of mental health worksheets and handouts!