National Playday - in pictures

Wednesday 3 August is national Playday – a great chance for children and their families to enjoy the great outdoors. Find local events at www.playday.org.uk Photograph: Play England/NCB

New research from Play England/Savlon shows that 60% of parents would like their children to play out more often. Photograph: Play England/NCB

One in five children has never played in fields and farmland, the research shows. Photograph: Play England/NCB

Supervised fire building in a proper fire pit can help children learn to be responsible with fire. Photograph: Play England/NCB

"Most parents know that children are curious about, and love to play, outdoors. This is a deeply instinctive part of human nature and a vital part of healthy childhoods," says Adrian Voce of Play England. Photograph: Play England/NCB

It’s a myth that children prefer indoor-based play activities, such as computer games: 88% of young people would prefer playing at a beach or river, research shows. Photograph: Play England/NCB

So-called "cotton-wool culture" means that parents can be over-protective. Research shows that one in four parents would prefer their children to play on a computer, rather than climb a tree. Photograph: Play England/NCB

Den building gives children a chance to use materials creatively to make their own hideaway. Photograph: Play England/NCB