Kids playing outside

[EnjoyTheSimpleThingsInLife]

How old were your DC's when you started letting them play out??

My DD (6) had a friend round to play after school yesterday (first time any friends been round).

After tea they wanted to play outside. Friends house is literally two minutes away, I can see it from my garden. There is a square between our houses where lots of kids play. I did let my DD play out but felt so anxious.

I think 6 is fine as long as you discuss stranger dangers with them. It doesn't need to be done in a scary way, just explain that they shouldn't go with anyone except family unless you give permission and that it's important to always tell you where they are going because you would be very worried and scared if you didn't know where she was.
I wouldn't go down the route of saying there are some bad people as that could cause unnecessary fear.