What Is Risky Play (and Why Do Kids Need It)?

At Movement Park, we see it every day — kids climbing, jumping, zooming, and laughing as they push their limits. This is risky play, and while the name might sound a bit alarming at first, it's actually one of the most important parts of childhood.

So, what exactly is risky play?

It’s when children attempt something they’ve never done before, push their own boundaries, and learn to assess and manage fear. It looks different for every child — what feels daring to a 4-year-old might be a warm-up for a 10-year-old. Risky play isn’t about danger for danger’s sake; it’s about learning, exploring, and growing in a safe environment that challenges their comfort zones.

Types of Risky Play You Might See

Experts often group risky play into categories like:

• Play at height – climbing, jumping, balancing on equipment like our parkour setup

• Play at speed – racing, cycling, or zooming around the BMX track

• Play involving impact – like leaping onto crash mats

• Vicarious play – watching older or more skilled children and getting inspired

  
  

At Movement Park, kids experience all of these, in a space that encourages exploration while being supervised by trained staff who understand the value of risk.

Sometimes, risky play is also called free play, unstructured play, or active play. And it's not just nice to have — it's a right. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child recognises play as being just as fundamental as being cared for and protected from harm.

Why Are Opportunities for Risky Play Declining?

Let’s face it: the world looks very different from when many of us were growing up.

• Children play outside less — often due to safety concerns

• There's more screen time and indoor play, especially with unpredictable weather (yes, we see you, Scottish rain!)

• Even many modern parks don’t allow for the type of adventurous, creative play that really challenges kids

  
  

Some researchers even argue that playgrounds have become too “safe” — designed to prevent any and all risk, but in doing so, they remove the challenge and thrill kids crave.

So Why Is Risky Play So Important?

Because it’s essential to a child’s physical, mental, and social development.

✅ Physically:

Risky play helps kids build strength, coordination, and motor skills. They become more physically literate — which means they’re more confident in their bodies and more likely to stay active throughout life.

✅ Mentally:

When kids assess risk, they’re problem-solving, regulating emotions, and learning their own limits. They fail and try again. That’s how they build resilience, confidence, and emotional regulation.

✅ Socially:

They’re navigating new spaces, making friends, learning to cooperate, and communicating with peers — especially at Movement Park, where children from different schools come together.

And here’s something surprising:

Children are less likely to be injured during unstructured risky play than during organised sports.

The Real-World Payoff

By giving children opportunities to take safe risks in play, we help them:

• Develop confidence and self-belief

• Learn how to judge risk and make safer decisions as they grow

• Build strong social connections and peer relationships

• Enhance physical competence and love for movement

• Become more adaptable and ready to face challenges in all areas of life

  
  

Movements like swinging, climbing, rolling, hanging, and sliding aren’t just fun — they’re vital for developing balance, coordination, and body awareness. Without these, kids are more likely to feel clumsy, awkward, and afraid of movement.

In Their Words: Why Kids Love Risky Play

A study by Coster and Gleeve (2008) found that children often choose risky play because of how it makes them feel — the fun, excitement, thrill, pride, and sense of achievement.

And really, isn’t that what childhood should be about?