The aim of this study is to examine whether the emotional intelligence of 5-6 years preschool children differs significantly according to the frequency of outdoor play. The sample consists of 208 children and their parents. The data were collected through Sullivan's Emotional Intelligence Scale for Children (EISC) and the Personal Information Form. The scale was administered individually to each child and took approximately 25 min. Firstly, we aim to determine whether the specific characteristics of the neighborhood environment play a role in shaping the frequency of outdoor play among children. Findings show that the frequency of children's outdoor play is positively associated with the type of residence, and accessibility of outdoor play areas, while it is not linked with settlement area. Again, the frequency of outdoor play doesn't differ according to the child's gender, parents' working status, and number of siblings, but differs according to maternal educational level. The main finding that as children's frequency of outdoor play increases, emotional intelligence increases has important implications for parents, educators, and policymakers, emphasizing the potential benefits of incorporating outdoor play into children's routines as a means of fostering emotional intelligence.