Changes in Outdoor Recreation among Rural and Urban Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Fathers' Perspectives

Abstract

Using the Family-Based Nature Activities Framework, we examined fathers’ perceptions ofhow their children’s outdoor recreation changed during COVID-19, and differences between rural and urban participants’ outdoor experiences. Fathers of children ages 5-12 (n = 26) participated in semi-structured interviews. Results showed that due to sweeping lifestyle changes, fathers reported increased time spent outdoors and the development of new outdoor family routines as a way to promote children’s health, fulfill caretaking responsibilities, and promote family relationships. Urban fathers reported more outdoor restrictions due to local policies whereas rural fathers reported engaging in a larger variety of nearby outdoor activities.