Risky Play Part 2: 8 Types of Risky Play and How They Support Your Child’s Development

If you haven’t read Part 1, I would encourage you to go back and take a look. It breaks down the importance of risky play and why it is such a key part of early child development.

Before breaking down the different types of risky play, it is important to understand the difference between a risk and a hazard. A risk is something a child can see, think about, and learn to navigate, like climbing a tree or balancing on a beam. A hazard, on the other hand, is something that a child cannot easily predict or assess, such as a broken branch, unstable surface, or unsafe equipment.

The goal of risky play is not to remove all challenges, but to remove hazards while allowing children to experience manageable risks. This creates a safe environment where children can explore, problem solve, and build confidence while still being supported. Research shows that engaging in risky play helps children develop risk assessment skills, confidence, and resilience, while also supporting physical and cognitive development (Sandseter, 2007; Brussoni et al., 2015).

"The more risks you allow your children to make, the better they learn to look after themselves." -Ronald Dahl

In a well-known study, Ellen Beate Hansen Sandseter identified key categories of risky play, including play with height, speed, dangerous tools, near dangerous elements, rough and tumble play, and play where children may get lost or play alone. These types of play allow children to explore limits, build confidence, and develop essential life skills.

Types of Risky Play + Development

1. Rough and Tumble Play

Wrestling, play fighting, pillow fights, or pretend sword fights with pool noodles or sticks.

Development: Research suggests that rough and tumble play helps children develop social competence, emotional regulation, and an understanding of boundaries (Pellegrini & Smith, 1998).

2. Play with Speed

Running, racing, sledding, biking, scootering, or sliding across ice or down a slide.

Development: Play involving speed supports coordination, reaction time, and the ability to assess and adjust movement in changing environments (Sandseter, 2007).

3. Play with Height

Climbing ladders, trees, monkey bars, balancing on benches, or hanging.

Development: Climbing and play at heights help children develop balance, spatial awareness, and risk assessment skills (Sandseter, 2007).

4. Play Near Dangerous Elements

Playing near water, fire, hills, ledges, or on surfaces like ice or concrete.

Development: Exposure to manageable environmental risks helps children learn cause and effect and how to navigate real-world dangers safely (Brussoni et al., 2015).

5. Playing Alone

Playing outside independently, exploring a familiar space without direct adult involvement, or playing in a new environment.

Development: Independent exploration supports confidence, decision-making, and problem-solving skills (Little & Wyver, 2008).

6. Play with Dangerous Tools

Using scissors, hammers, screwdrivers, or supervised tools like a small saw. (Example: hammering golf tees into styrofoam.)

Development: Using real tools in a supervised setting helps children develop fine motor skills, focus, and an understanding of responsibility and safety (Sandseter, 2007).

7. Vicarious Play

Watching others take risks before joining in, such as observing children climb or jump.

Development: Observing others before participating allows children to process risk, build understanding, and increase confidence before engaging (Bandura, 1977 – social learning theory).

8. Play with Impact

Jumping on beds, crashing into snow piles, running and jumping, or contact play like sports.

Development: Physical impact play supports body awareness, sensory processing, and understanding of force and limits (Brussoni et al., 2015).

Risky play does not have to look extreme or overwhelming. It can be found in simple, everyday moments where children are given the space to try, explore, and challenge themselves in new ways. When we understand the difference between risk and hazard, it becomes easier to step back with confidence and allow these experiences to happen.

Emerging research also shows that limiting risky play opportunities may actually reduce children’s ability to assess danger and manage risk safely over time (Brussoni et al., 2015)

By supporting risky play, we are not putting children in danger, we are helping them build the skills they need to keep themselves safe, think independently, and grow into capable, confident individuals.

Explore more on early childhood development, and how to support your child’s milestones:

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References:

• Sandseter, E.B.H. (2007). Categorising risky play

• Brussoni et al. (2015). What is the relationship between risky outdoor play and health?

• Pellegrini & Smith (1998). Physical activity play and development

• Little & Wyver (2008). Outdoor play and risk

• Bandura (1977). Social Learning Theory

The information shared on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, professional, or legal advice. We are not healthcare professionals. Always consult with a qualified professional regarding your child or family’s specific needs. Use of this information is at your own discretion. For full details, please visit our Legal page.