Outdoor play is crucial for children’s development, yet children with disabilities often encounter barriers to participating. In the Netherlands, opportunities for inclusive play between children with and without disabilities are limited. An exploratory study examined how these children engage in outdoor play together through a mixed-methods approach, utilizing both quantitative assessments and qualitative observations during six outdoor play sessions at inclusive playgrounds.

The study involved 63 children aged 4-12 years, assessing playfulness and environmental support. Findings revealed that boys and children with disabilities scored lower on playfulness assessments, indicating challenges in engaging playfully. Six themes were identified as influencing inclusive play behavior: the variety of play types, getting to know each other, making contact, interaction while playing, and the effects of both social and physical environments.

These results highlight the diverse play skills among children and the importance of social interactions and environmental factors in fostering inclusive play. The study calls for pediatric rehabilitation professionals to focus on creating inclusive outdoor play opportunities, addressing barriers, and promoting interactions among all children.