Tuesday, 24 April 2012

Parents catch on to cost-effective outdoors play


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.


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