Evidence of the ways in which children utilise neighbourhood spaces for play and socalising is presented here. Findings are based on research conducted on the social and environmental geographies of children in middle childhood in Fife, Scotland. Photographs and maps produced by the children are used to illustrate their active, emotional and imaginative engagements in their everyday environments. The essential role of the neighbourhood to children is highlighted, with most children conveying strong attachments to their local area, naming and describing many favourite places, relating a definite sense of belonging and an ability to make their own space. (Contains 3 figures.)