What Is Risky Play?
Risky play is thrilling, challenging play that allows children to test their physical and emotional limits in a safe and supportive environment. It is not about danger, it’s about opportunities for children to learn how to navigate uncertainty, problem-solve, and make independent decisions. Examples include climbing trees, balancing on logs, running fast down hills, exploring new environments, or engaging in rough-and-tumble play.
Why Risky Play Is Important for Child Development
Research shows that risky play supports gross motor development, balance, coordination, and resilience. It also helps children:
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Develop confidence and independence by trying new challenges.
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Strengthen emotional regulation as they navigate fear, excitement, or frustration.
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Practise problem-solving when they encounter obstacles.
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Learn risk assessment skills, which carry into everyday decision-making.
In essence, risky play builds capable, confident children who can thrive in school and beyond.
Introducing Risky Play in Your Learning Environment
Bringing risky play into your classroom, child care centre, or forest program begins with creating intentional opportunities. Here are practical strategies:
1. Start with Small Challenges
Offer stepping stones, low balance beams, climbing logs, or loose parts for building. These manageable risks give children confidence before moving on to bigger challenges.
2. Teach the Difference Between Risk and Hazard
Children need to understand that risk is a challenge they can manage, while a hazard is an unsafe condition that could cause harm (e.g., broken equipment, sharp edges). Model this language and involve children in hazard-spotting activities.
3. Evaluate Your Environment
Walk your outdoor or indoor play space regularly. Ask:
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Where can children safely climb, run, or balance?
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Are there natural features (rocks, trees, slopes) that can support risky play?
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Do I need to remove or repair hazards that could cause harm?
Building Confidence Through Risky Play While Maintaining Safety
Risky play should feel challenging but achievable. You can support children by:
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Using positive language: Instead of “Be careful!” try “Do you feel steady on your feet?” or “Which branch feels strongest?”
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Encouraging self-reflection: Ask “What’s your plan if it feels tricky?”
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Offering gradual exposure: Start with smaller challenges before increasing complexity.
With this support, children learn to trust themselves and make thoughtful decisions
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Creating Opportunities for Supported Risky Play
Consider setting up:
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Climbing and balancing areas: logs, ropes, stepping stones.
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Rough-and-tumble zones: mats, grassy areas, or forest clearings.
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Speed play: running tracks, sledding hills, or bike paths.
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Nature exploration: climbing trees, rolling down slopes, or fort-building.
These experiences should always include adult supervision that supports rather than restricts, ensuring children can take meaningful risks without being exposed to hazards.
Getting Buy-In from Parents and Administrators
For many adults, the word “risky” raises concerns. To gain support:
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Educate with research: Share how risky play supports mental health, physical growth, and resilience.
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Communicate clearly: Use parent letters, documentation panels, and photos to show learning in action.
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Reassure about safety: Emphasize the difference between risk and danger, and show your process for evaluating and supervising environments.
When parents and administrators see the benefits and children’s joy support for risky play grows.
Communicating the Importance of Risky Play
Introducing risky play is about trusting children to take on challenges and supporting them as they grow. By creating safe, intentional opportunities for risk, educators can help children build resilience, confidence, and lifelong learning skills. With strong communication to parents and administrators, risky play can become a celebrated and essential part of your early learning environment.
Download our free risky play posters here to help support conversations around encouraging Risky Play
