Outdoor (anti-)play spaces and places: a qualitative study of Polish large city backyards seen from children’s perspective

ABSTRACT

This paper focuses on children’s perspective on their outdoor play environment. The research took place in settings with designated disadvantaged status—in the backyards of Przedmieście Oławskie—a small district of a large city of Wrocław, Poland. The research aimed to reveal dimensions of children’s perception and understanding of studied backyards. Multimethod qualitative research procedure was used: the ethnographic research strategy with elements of mosaic approach were combined. Around 70 children aged 3–10 years were observed in their natural play environment and 23 of them were engaged in guided-tours and meetings in backyards. The results of this research show multidimensionality of children’s experiences of their play environment. The study underlines the importance of considering children’s experience as competent social agents while planning outdoor play environments.

KEYWORDS:

• Children
• research ‘with’ children
• outdoor play
• outdoor environment
• childhood studies
• risky play

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).