Preschool Children's Emerging Participation in Leisure and Recreation Activities

Abstract

Parents (n = 1509) of young children birth to 6 years of age were surveyed about their children's participation in 30 leisure and recreation community activities. Analyses focused on similarities and differences according to type of activity (leisure vs. recreation), child age, and child developmental condition (children with vs. children without disabilities or delays). Results showed that there were age-related increases in the patterns of participation in both recreation and leisure activities, but that there was considerable heterogeneity in patterns of participation in terms of the particular activities constituting the focus of investigation. Findings also showed greater participation in leisure compared to recreation activities, and greater participation in both types of activities among children without disabilities or delays.