A cross-sectional study in Ahwaz city, Islamic Republic of Iran, described children's indoor and outdoor play patterns. A total of 952 pupils aged 7 and 9 years and 942 parents completed questionnaires. Children's favourite activities were: playing football (22.3%), cycling (13.2%) and watching television (12.3%). This differed from those perceived by the parents who reported watching television (20.3%), playing football (13.3%) and playing in street (11.4%). Children reported their favourite places to play were: street (27.4%), park/playground (18.3%) and home (17.8%). There were significant differences in play patterns by age and sex. The play patterns of older children and boys exposed them to more hazardous situations than younger children and girls.