Dutch parents are embracing ‘risky play’ – but would it work in the UK?
Parents in the Netherlands are pushing for more adventurous playgrounds where kids can climb trees, build with hammers and even start small fires. Could Britain follow suit?
In the Netherlands, a growing movement is calling for the return of "risky play"—encouraging children to take on physical challenges that come with the occasional bump or bruise.
Supporters argue that modern kids are too sheltered, spending too much time indoors and missing out on crucial life skills. But could this idea work in the UK?
The case for ‘risky play’
The push for more adventurous playgrounds is partly a response to rising childhood obesity and declining motor skills.
According to the Dutch Diabetes Research Foundation, Diabetes Fonds, children are spending twice as much time indoors as they did before the pandemic, leading to weaker coordination and even struggles with simple physical activities like catching a ball.
“More and more kids are losing the ability to make social contact, to learn to deal with risks and also to be happy when the situation gets a little bit more stressful,” says Mascha van Werven from the advocacy group Jantje Beton.
She believes riskier play helps children develop resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills from a young age.
What does ‘risky play’ look like?
In Amsterdam, one of the most extreme examples of this approach is Woeste Westen (which translates to "Wild West"), a radical outdoor play space where children can climb trees, build huts, fish, start fires, and even use real tools like hammers and knives—all under supervision but with minimal interference.
Supporters say playgrounds like these allow children to learn how to assess risk in a safe, controlled environment.
The idea is that every time a parent says "be careful" or "don't do that," they may be denying their child an important opportunity to develop independence.
Could it work in the UK?
The concept of risky play isn’t entirely new to the UK—adventure playgrounds, like those found in parts of London and Bristol, encourage free play with loose parts, climbing structures, and supervised but hands-off environments.
However, some experts argue that this has gone too far. A study from Play England found that overly cautious playground design may actually limit children’s development, making them less prepared for real-world risks.
No parent wants their child to get hurt, but research suggests that minor injuries can be an important part of childhood learning.
Advocates of risky play argue that small scrapes and bruises teach kids how to manage danger, problem-solve, and build resilience—skills they’ll need throughout life.
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Authors
Ruairidh is the Digital Lead on MadeForMums. He works with a team of fantastically talented content creators and subject-matter experts on MadeForMums.
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