Access to public spaces has been shown to be increasingly restricted due to spatial and social changes. However, these public spaces are important for developing motor, social, cognitive and affectionate skills. This research aims to investigate the socio-physical characteristics of public spaces that interfere in children's behavior. Data were collected from observations with children between 6 and 12 years old, through a self-centered behavioral mapping, in four public spaces in the city of Criciúma, Santa Catarina. The results indicate that a secure, diverse and flexible environment allows not only physical activity and socialization, but it also favors psychological and cognitive skills that influence the type of game and the level of interaction among children.
Space; childhood development; environmental psychology; behavioral mapping
