Monmouthshire takes second place in a survey on the safest areas for outdoor play located in Wales , standing out for its exceptional access to green play spaces.

Welsh local authorities dominate the top 10, with nine of the safest areas for outdoor play located in Wales

There are 167 parks and playgrounds per 10,000 children in Monmouthshire, and the area also benefits from low pedestrian casualty rates with almost all urban roads set at 20mph.

Alex Price, Product Expert at outdoortoys, comments on the importance of a safe outdoor space for children and said: “Unsafe streets and a lack of accessible play spaces are forcing children indoors. Outdoor play isn’t just fun, it’s crucial for physical health, social skills, confidence, creativity and overall development. Without safe spaces to run, climb, cycle and interact with others, children miss out on essential experiences that shape confidence, resilience and wellbeing.

“Even small outdoor spaces can be transformed into safe play zones with the right setup. Simple additions like soft landing surfaces, such as grass or rubber mulch under play equipment, can help reduce bumps and falls, while choosing age-appropriate climbing frames or activity sets helps ensure children are playing safely.

“It’s also worth thinking about shaded areas so children can stay cool while they play, particularly during warmer months. Surfaces like slides, metal bars or artificial grass can heat up quickly in direct sun, so positioning equipment in partial shade can make a big difference.

“Parents should also check that play equipment is securely anchored and spaced out properly to avoid collisions during active play. Creating clearly defined play zones for activities like climbing, ball games, or imaginative play can help children stay active outdoors while giving parents greater peace of mind.”