One of the most significant issues related to urban public design is considering outdoor spaces for children to play. Children need to see their environment as a part of their life and learn to protect it. Furthermore, they develop social, emotional, and physical skills by playing outdoors. In some developing countries such as Iran, limited knowledge exists about the state of outdoor play areas for children in cities. This study highlights the need for planners and other land managers to consider the critical importance of the urban environment for play activities of children and its current status in Iran. Literature, studies, opinions and ideas on the value of play and outdoors for children in cities and the limitations of their outdoor play is explored; the issues and points obtained from the literature are analyzed. And the need for further research with children and rethinking for the allocation and design of children’s open space in Tehran is highlighted. Consequently, the criteria to consider children’s play spaces in city of Tehran are proposed. Accessibility, local government involvement, knowledge sharing, appropriate playground design and accounting on children’s voice and view in design process are some criteria which are recommended to promote children’s open space and outdoor play area in Tehran.