What is Risky Play?

Written By Angela Mann

Have you ever heard of the term “risky play”? Many people may have a misconception of what it entails. You may think that it's not safe; or maybe even let’s avoid it! Exploration and learning inevitably can lead to some moments of play that may cause you to feel a little uncomfortable. Has your child ever engaged in an activity or movement that made you feel nervous, anxious, and unsure of your child’s safety? Examples of risky play might include climbing a tree, wrestling, running down a hill, using tools, climbing on furniture or play structures, hanging upside down, and jumping down from high places. Risky play is thrilling, challenging, or exciting play with unknowns, and the potential of getting hurt or lost. Research advocates for reasonable and age-appropriate risky play to help children learn to assess risk and safety, understand limits, develop self reliance, resilience, and confidence.

Play is essential for children and their overall development, especially outdoor play. When children combine outdoor play with risky play, there are numerous benefits. The risky play movements and activities are essential for motor skill development, balance, coordination, body awareness, and regulation. Children need risky play so they feel comfortable moving their own bodies confidently in the environment. Every child engages in risky play differently. At HOPE Grove we encourage children to make safe decisions about how to move their bodies in the environment and provide guidance as needed depending on the level of risk. Some strategies that parents and caregivers can utilize for risky play include: removing hazards, explaining safety rules without making them sound scary, and allowing reasonable, supervised risks when children feel ready. 

We utilize the strategies listed above here at HOPE Grove during the six specific categories of risky play. These categories are: (1) great heights, (2) high speeds, (3) use of tools, (4) dangerous elements, (5) rough-and-tumble, and (6) play with the chance of being lost. At HOPE Grove, your children have the opportunity to engage in these types of risky play all while being supported and supervised by adults during the sessions to mitigate potential hazards. 

Great Heights 

At HOPE Grove, your child might engage in play activities that are in high-up places. For example, your child might climb a tree, climb a ladder or rock wall to get up to the tree house, walk across a bridge, or swing high on the swings. 

High Speeds 

Your child might be interested in running, swinging, spinning, or sliding. Sometimes there is the potential for injury when moving your body fast, but that is why the adults are constantly assessing the risk and encouraging your child to also assess.

Tools or Toys 

During sessions at HOPE Grove, your child might use a variety of tools to dig, scoop, build, design, or create. Sometimes with extra supervision, your child might use scissors or knives, or even use battery-powered tools, like a drill.  Direct instruction and supervision are always provided when using more “dangerous” tools to ensure your child’s safety. 

Play with Elements 

Play with elements can look like playing with or navigating different terrains (water, snow, ice, mud, hills, rocks, woodchips, etc.). We instruct children to pay attention to their surroundings and help make safe choices when needed.

Rough and Tumble Play

Rough and tumble play can look like play fighting, hitting and sword fighting, or wrestling. Adults provide supervision and ensure everyone is following safety rules during this type of play.

Play with a Chance of Being Lost 

This type of play includes games such as hide and seek or going on nature walks on the trail at HOPE Grove. It can be fun and exciting to hide or explore on your own as it comes with the potential of getting lost. Don’t worry, your child will not be wandering alone in the woods but when they run down the path it feels exciting and away. The trail at HOPE Grove is a loop and adults always accompany children through the woods but we may hang back to give them a sense of autonomy depending on their level of independence.

Discussion about Risky Play:

As adult parents and caregivers it is normal to feel nervous or uncomfortable at times, but know the research unequivocally shows that avoiding risky play may be more detrimental to our children’s future. Risky play is necessary and valuable for your child’s development. That is why we offer these opportunities here at HOPE Grove. You can also support participation in risky play beyond this camp. I encourage you to consider ways that you can allow for risky play during your next play date at the park, hike at the forest preserve, or regular fun in the backyard or playroom. I would be happy to discuss your child’s risky play with you more in-depth and provide you with some ideas for implementing risky play at home. 

Activities and Tips for Risky Play at Home:

Here are some ideas that you can get started with TODAY! Some risky play activities at home could include climbing trees, creating an obstacle course, playing hide and seek, pretending to fight with sticks or other items, building a birdhouse with tools, or building a campfire. Some tips for you to consider are: (1) provide age-appropriate guidance and support (2) avoid letting your own fears or nerves get in the way (3) understand your child’s abilities (4) do not pressure your child to engage in risky play (5) ask questions such as “what is your plan”, “what is your next move” “do you feel safe”. 

We hope that the activities at HOPE Grove inspire you to allow risky play at home. In fact, I would love to hear about ways that you already have or will incorporate risky play and what you notice - you can make a comment below this post. Let’s spread the word that risky play is more than just okay, it is necessary and good! 


~Angela & Kristin

Angela Mann
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