The role of green spaces and their management in a child-friendly urban village

•Children’s perspectives on green space were studied in a child-friendly village.•Child-friendly environments were affected by several socio-environmental factors.•Children like planned and managed places that are varied, multifunctional and green.•Unmanaged places have many qualities – for play, exploration and finding own places.•Children’s preferences can be more recognised in management, planning and design.