Yes, I grew up in a small town and pretty much had the run of it from the age of 6 or 7, and quite a lot of freedom even before that. My friends and I would be out all day, every day, all summer long - probably never more than two miles from home but definitely in that range. With my own kids I'm less protective than a lot of parents in my neighborhood but I wouldn't really be comfortable with that, certainly not at that age and even if I was none of their friends would be allowed to do that, most kids stay on their block or cul-de-sac.