Abstract:

This study aims to explore preschool children’s opportunities and parents’ opinions regarding outdoor play in Denizli, Turkey. Totally 398 parents answered the questionnaire that was designed by the researcher. The study shows that most of the children play outdoors once a day; generally they play in playgrounds and backyards under adults’ or older sister/brothers’ supervisions. Moreover, parents often have concerns about traffic, ill-intentioned strangers, kidnapping and injures. Correspondingly, their expectations include enhancing and varying playgrounds and green areas as well as increasing safety in outdoor settings where children play. These findings are discussed in the light of literature and suggestions for improving children’s outdoor play opportunities are made.

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