Come out and play! Exploring the landscapes of free-play in Prince George, British Columbia.

Children's health issues are of growing concern for health care providers, researchers, and families. These concerns have prompted initiatives encouraging young people to become more physically active. Rather than focusing on activity for solely healthy purposes, the research underlines the importance of neighbourhood free-play for independent mobility. Free-play provides space for socialisation with peers and occasion to practice risk management. The thesis analysed qualitative data from activity journals written by grade six/seven students at three independent schools in Prince George, BC in June, 2010. The data addressed research questions guiding the thesis: how do neighbourhoods influence play activities of children, how do children engage with neighbourhoods through play, and, what are the constraints that limit children's play? The research found interrelated factors influencing children's neighbourhood free-play. Perceptions of danger, busyness, and distance to play spaces played a role in determining children's ability to engage in free-play. --Leaf ii.