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Purpose This study investigated the risk factors associated with insufficient engagement of Chinese early school-aged children in outdoor activities, including play and physical activities. Methods Data were gathered from two waves of parent-proxy surveys. The analysis involved 1612 children (46.15% girls; mean age = 7.83 years) who had participated in outdoor activities. Responses were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations to identify relevant correlates impacting children’s outdoor play or outdoor physical activities. Children were assessed on their outdoor activities’ levels, and variables were analyzed for their impact on these levels. Results Maternal outdoor activity (< 1 h/day) and less clear requirements for outdoor activity are correlated with children’s outdoor play time (< 2 h/day) ( p  < 0.05). The number of outdoor playfields was also significantly associated with insufficient outdoor play, particularly on weekends ( p  < 0.05). For outdoor physical activities (< 1 h/day), the male gender of the child was a protective factor (OR = 0.33, p  < 0.001), while paternal outdoor activity time (< 1 h/day) and unclear outdoor activity requirements were risk factors ( p  < 0.01). Conclusions The risk factors of insufficient engagement of Chinese early school-aged children in outdoor pursuits included the lack of time parents spend on outdoor activities, their unclear requirements, and the limited availability of outdoor spaces. Specifically, mothers’ outdoor activities time is linked to children’s outdoor play, while the male gender of the child and fathers’ outdoor activities are associated with children’s outdoor physical activities participation.