More than 270 activities will be organised in Brussels and Flanders on Wednesday 19 April as part of the 16th edition of Outdoor Play Day, kicking off the "outdoor play year."
On Wednesday morning, children in Flanders and Brussels will be encouraged to play outdoors as part of an initiative in which 229 Flemish and Brussels cities and municipalities are taking part this year.
For the past two editions, the day has focused on "playing outside in your own neighbourhood." Local authorities have been put in charge to scatter activities across their municipality or city, putting play and sports squares, playing streets and forests in the spotlight.
Children playing outside with a football. Credit: Belga/ Peter Sporck
"Children and young people move around a lot while playing, which is exactly what is good for their health. Research also shows that people who play outdoors have a stronger immune system and that playing leads to less stress," the organiser's website read.
"Consequently, playing is essential for a child's physical and mental health. Therefore, committing to an outdoor space that promotes play and togetherness has a direct effect on the health of children and young people."
TV screens go black
Various small- and large-scale activities will be organised in both regions in the afternoon. All children's TV channels (Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Ketnet, Ketnet Junior and Studio 100 TV) will turn off their programmes between 13:00 and 17:00 to further encourage children to go outdoors.
Initially only meant as a way to make children go outside, the "Outdoor Play Day" soon became a stepping stone to challenge local governments to work on a broad play policy, and has since spurred the Flemish Government to do more than focus on one day of mass outdoor play. The day therefore also kicks off the '365 days of outdoor play' to put the theme on the agenda throughout the year.
Related News
- No place like home: Homeschooling doubles in Flanders since 2017
- The 18th edition of the Brussels Marathon set for 1 October
On this occasion, Flemish Minister for Youth Benjamin Dalle will visit the Outdoor Play Day in the future Westpark in Brussels and will present a new Action Plan to ensure every young person and child is active outside for at least two hours every day.
Discover all the activities here.
