New research from outdoor clothing brand Regatta Great Outdoors shows that Irish adults feel nostalgic for their screen-free childhoods and want their kids to enjoy similar outdoor experiences.
In a survey of 500 Irish adults, 81% said children today spend less time outdoors in winter than they did, with 85% blaming screen time. Nearly one in three (29%) spent time outdoors daily as kids, and 78% played outside most winter days — but only 48% continue this habit as adults.
Nostalgia runs strong: 69% associate Irish winters with outdoor fun like snowball fights and building snowmen. Favourite childhood games included Hide and Seek (37%), Tip the Can (37%), and Rounders (25%).
While 89% say it’s important for kids to have a “’90s-style” outdoor childhood, parents cite obstacles like screens (85%), lack of safe spaces (42%), and bad weather (29%). Still, 78% encourage outdoor play during winter.
Brian Fox, Managing Director of Regatta Ireland, said:
“Parents miss the simple outdoor joys of their childhoods — and want the next generation to experience them too. With the right clothing, families can enjoy the outdoors comfortably, rain or shine.”
