Abstract: Improving the walkability of urban environments is an objective of planners and urban designers. Cities are being planned so that walking is more feasible and attractive in order to encourage increased rates of walking and thus improve the quality of life. Quality of life, however, can be conceptualised in different ways, depending on particular ethical assumptions or on differences between individuals and groups. Does the way that quality of life is conceptualised influence how planners need to approach the issue of walkability? This paper addresses this question in relation to children’s walking. Drawing on a case study of a Western Australian primary school we investigate three ways in which walkability is linked to the quality of life of children: being able to access places; improving physical health; and enabling independence. A survey of children and their parents, photo-collage, and trip diaries are used to compare the way that issues of quality of life are constructed in relation to walking and the walkable environment. We argue that whilst there are many common characteristics between walkability for children, as important either for access, health, or independence, there are also tensions between these three qualities.