Well, we never thought we’d read this,
especially given the number of studies that have been telling us that kids just
don’t get outdoors to play nearly enough.
Finally, it seems, outdoor play is making a
comeback! But why? It’s to do with
cash-strapped parents swapping the cost of buying DVDs and the cinema for free
days playing in the park.
A poll
of 1,250 UK parents of school-age children reveals that 44% of children are now
spending more time playing outside than they did two years ago.
And the parents says that this is because trips
to local parks or walks in the countryside are cheap days out.
We have been banging on about the
cost-effectiveness of walking for years, but it’s great to see that people are
now realising this!
Of course, there are still a few obstacles to
more outdoors activity, including time and the weather.
The research was carried out on behalf of food
manufacturer Arla's Kids Closer to Nature campaign.
Tim Gill, author and a play campaigner, is
reported as saying: “The good news is that families are realising that fresh
air costs nothing.”
The survey said:
• Three-quarters
of parents believe they can have a cheap day out visiting parks and green
spaces.
• Four
out of 10 opted for a budget trip to the seaside.
Tim added: “Times are hard, so parents have to
make savings. But the good news is that families are realising that fresh air
costs nothing.
“Getting under the open sky - whether in a
local park or the great British countryside - is the perfect way for kids to
explore, have adventures and feed their curiosity and imagination."
We really like this survey. If you’re looking
for great value ideas for walking with the family please do get in contact.
