How parental satisfaction with green open spaces shapes children’s outdoor play considering independent mobility as the key mediator

Children’s physical activity has been declining globally, raising concerns about their health. Although green spaces are essential for outdoor play, research has not fully explored how parents’ views on these areas affect children’s outdoor activities. This study addressed this by using a structural equation model to analyze the relationship between parents’ perceptions of green space qualities – safety, proximity, diversity, cleanliness, and aesthetics – and children’s outdoor play, with a focus on independent mobility as a mediating factor. Key findings include:(1) Higher parental satisfaction with safety and proximity was associated with increased children’s outdoor play and independent mobility. (2) Higher parental satisfaction with diversity, cleanliness, and aesthetic appeal of green spaces was linked to higher levels of outdoor play among children. (3) Younger children and girls were found to have less independent mobility and lower outdoor play. (4) Parents with longer residence in an area and lower educational levels reported higher satisfaction with the quality of urban green spaces. These results underscore the need to prioritize the development and maintenance of high-quality green spaces, ensuring they cater to the needs and preferences of families to foster healthier and more active communities.