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How Outdoor Play Supports Children’s Mental Health

4 min read

When we talk about child development, mental health sits right at the heart of it. For parents, teachers and school leaders across the UK, supporting children’s emotional wellbeing is more important than ever. And while there are many ways to do this, one powerful, time-tested solution continues to shine through…play.

A Passion for Play

Play isn’t “just” play. It’s how children explore the world, express their feelings and build the skills they’ll carry for life. At Phoenix Play, we believe play is essential to healthy minds as well as happy childhoods. That’s why we design and create outdoor playgrounds that do far more than look good - they actively support children’s mental, emotional and physical wellbeing.

Let’s take a closer look at how play and wellbeing go hand in hand, and why thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces can make such a difference.

Why play matters for mental wellbeing

On the surface, play is about fun - but beneath that, so much more is happening. Play gives children the freedom to imagine, explore and take safe risks. It helps them build confidence, resilience and a sense of control, all of which are key foundations for positive mental health.

What is Positive Mental Health?

Positive mental health is a state of wellbeing which enables individuals to manage every day stresses and manage their own potential. Often characterised by having having emotional resilience, strong self-worth and ability to build and maintain good relationships. Put simply, positive mental health is not about being happy all the time, but having the resources to manage life’s ups and downs.

Key indicators of positive mental health include:

Social Connection - the ability to form and maintain relationships

Emotional Regulation and Resilience - capacity to understand, manage and express a range of emotions

Psychological Functioning - high levels of confidence, self-esteem and sense of purpose/belonging

Cognitive Abilities - the ability to think, learn and make decisions with clarity

Healthy Behaviours - making smart choices about regular physical activity, healthy eating and getting enough sleep

Supporting emotional regulation

Through play, children learn how to understand and manage their emotions. Whether they’re acting out big feelings through imaginative role play or coping with frustration when something doesn’t go to plan, play provides a safe space to process emotions. These experiences help children develop coping strategies that stay with them well beyond the playground.

Building social skills and empathy

Playgrounds are social hubs. Through shared games and collaborative play, children learn how to communicate, take turns, negotiate and see things from another point of view. These everyday interactions are vital for building empathy, forming friendships and developing a strong sense of belonging.

Encouraging thinking and problem solving

Play challenges young minds. From figuring out how to climb higher, to solving problems together during imaginative games, children are constantly learning. These moments of discovery spark curiosity, creativity and a love of learning - skills that support both mental wellbeing and academic growth.

The power of imagination

Imaginative play allows children to step into different roles and explore new ideas. One minute they’re explorers, the next they’re storytellers or superheroes. This kind of play nurtures creativity, boosts confidence and helps children make sense of their experiences and emotions.

The wellbeing boost of physical play

Running, climbing, balancing and jumping aren’t just great for physical development - they’re brilliant for mental health too. Physical play helps children release endorphins, the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ chemicals that reduce stress and induce feelings of happiness and euphoria. Over time children will associate this ‘feel-good’ response to physical play and demonstrate an awareness and pride of what their bodies can do, all of which supports self-esteem and emotional resilience.

Social play and a sense of belonging

Every playground tells a story, and every child has a part to play in it. Through social play, children nurture friendships, learn communication skills and experience the joy of being part of a group. That sense of connection is vital for positive mental wellbeing.

Cognitive play that challenges and engages

Games that involve strategy, problem solving and concentration help sharpen young minds. These activities encourage children to think ahead, adapt and persevere - valuable life skills that support confidence and resilience in managing life’s many daily stresses and challenges.

Making space for play every day

If play is this powerful, it deserves a central place in children’s daily lives. At home, this might mean carving out screen-free time for shared play. In schools, it means recognising play as a meaningful learning tool and giving it the time, space and value it deserves.

Designing play-friendly environments

The environment matters. Well-designed playgrounds should be safe, inclusive and inspiring, offering opportunities for all children to play in ways that suit them. At Phoenix Play, we create outdoor spaces that stimulate the senses, encourage exploration and support children at every stage of development.

Play-led learning in the early years

In nurseries and Early Years settings, play is the foundation of learning. Role play areas become spaces for language development, counting and problem solving, while outdoor environments provide rich opportunities for discovery and communication.

Final thoughts

From emotional wellbeing to social connection and cognitive growth, play is one of the most powerful tools we have to support children’s mental health. In every climb, conversation and creative moment, children are building strong foundations for the future.

At Phoenix Play, we don’t just build playgrounds - we help shape futures. Get in touch to find out how we can support your children’s mental health through playground design and create a space where children can truly thrive.