Kids Stay Active on a Shoestring: What Parents Really Think

The researchers asked parents in Northern Ireland how their kids get involved in cheap or free physical activities. They wanted to know which options families use, how easy it is to find them, and what parents think about the overall situation. The goal was to see whether money is the only hurdle or if other issues also play a role.

Nearly every parent surveyed—99 percent—said their child takes part in at least one free or low‑cost activity each week. The most common choices were informal games like walking, running, and playing outdoors. However, most of those parents—76 percent—felt there weren’t enough local spots to choose from, and only a tiny fraction, 10 percent, thought the current provision was good enough. Since the cost‑of‑living crisis began in 2021, about one‑third of families reported they were doing more walking and running as a way to save money.

When the researchers dug deeper, they found barriers that go beyond price. Many parents said they simply didn’t know about the available programs, or the sites were far from home. Getting to the activities was tough for some families because of transport issues. Others complained that the quality of the facilities was poor or that the activities didn’t match their child’s needs. Even though participation numbers looked similar across different socioeconomic groups, the data showed gaps for teenagers, girls, and children with extra needs.

The study suggests that removing the cost barrier alone will not create truly equal access. Financial concerns are important, but parents also need better information, convenient locations, reliable transport, and programs that fit their kids’ abilities. Addressing these wider factors could help more families stay active without worrying about money or logistics.