Let children jump in puddles and climb trees – risky play has an important role

Allowing children to take risks while playing can help them avoid anxiety disorders later in life, according to a study cited by Finnish public broadcaster Yle. Risk-taking play teaches children to face life’s challenges by testing boundaries and managing disappointment.

Researcher Marjaana Kangas, a docent at the University of Lapland, emphasises the importance of letting children engage in lively and exciting outdoor play. “Risky play is self-directed play that includes a healthy dose of excitement and a little uncertainty,” she explains. When children test their physical limits outdoors, the effects on their development are significant.

Kangas, who has studied playful learning for over 20 years, highlights that risky play teaches children self-regulation, attention, problem-solving, and risk assessment. “Disappointments are a natural part of play, and learning from mistakes is essential in all learning,” she says. “When you fail, you get back up and continue. This builds resilience.”

An international group of 200 researchers, including Kangas, released a statement last year recommending active outdoor play as a key pillar of health and well-being, alongside sleep and nutrition. Their findings suggest that outdoor play supports physical health, strengthens mental well-being, aids cognitive development, and enhances social skills and emotional regulation.

Kangas warns that without opportunities to test boundaries in play, children may struggle with anxiety and timidity later in life. “If children don’t learn to step outside their comfort zone through play, they may avoid it as adults,” she says. While indoor activities have their place, they cannot replace the diverse benefits of outdoor play.

Parents should encourage children to embrace challenges—whether climbing, running, jumping, or even getting muddy—while ensuring a safe environment. “Jumping in puddles is joyful,” Kangas adds. “Children have the right to active outdoor play, and that includes taking appropriate risks.”