New child-sized city opens in Johannesburg
Johannesburg will soon be the latest global metropolis to have a KidZania ‘replica city’, using play to show children all about careers. Youngsters visiting these enormous indoor playgrounds – there are 24 worldwide – experience what...Read more
Changing perceptions, transforming play
The neighbourhood playground is an environment where families create community. But for decades, an entire group was missing from these vital hubs: caregivers and children with disabilities, who make up 19% of the US population. Two...Read more
Imagine and explore through ‘playful’ learning
A ‘playful’ approach to learning can hugely benefit children, but the system must give teachers the freedom to create the right environment. Making the case is Nicola Whitton, Professor of Education at Manchester Metropolitan University,...Read more
A guide to encourage outdoor play during school hours
The International School Grounds Alliance and Green Schoolyards America recently published a new, expanded version of their Activity Guides set. This free online resource is designed to engage children aged 3-18 in using their school...Read more
Outdoor play for Dutch children declines
‘Dull play areas’ are the reason why two-thirds of Dutch children never play outside or only once a week, according to research. This alarming trend equates to a 10 per cent rise in the last...Read more
New book will “stimulate new research into children’s play”
Critics have given a positive verdict on Policy Press’s new publication, ‘Practice-based research in children’s play’. Published last month, it utilises new methodologies in researching children’s play. The book is edited by Doctors Wendy Russell and...Read more
Kids exploring risky play in the city
Young Explorers is a series of two-minute films that visually examines what happens when you allow toddlers to explore a city completely alone. Jacob Krupnick, a Brooklyn-based filmmaker and photographer is behind the project. Krupnick’s work incorporates movement and...Read more
Designing a play space for everyone
Antonio Malkusak, has 27 years of experience in the play and playground industry and is considered one of the leading experts on inclusive play environment design. In this article for Child in the City, he...Read more
Transforming everyday urban spaces into playgrounds
Urban Thinkscape provides children from low-income families with mental stimulation by embedding play and learning opportunities in public spaces. A group of psychologists, architects and educators are behind the project. Based in Philadelphia, Urban Thinkspace creatively...Read more
A tactile garden at a school for the blind in Worli, India
Designed by architect Rahul Kadri’s firm, the garden at Worli’s Happy Home and School for the Blind will serve both as a play area and an open-air classroom. About 50 children gathered at a newly refurbished...Read more
Playgrounds: danger or risk? Do you know the difference?
A top priority for those of us who create industry-leading playground safety surfacing is minimizing the risk of injury. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t understand the importance of active, adventurous playtime that allows kids...Read more
Hong Kong needs inclusive playgrounds for disabled children
A pilot study reveals a number of existing playgrounds in Hong Kong lack inclusive facilities that cater to the needs of disabled children. The research also highlights obstacles and opportunities for change. Researchers found no...Read more
Transforming educational practices to increase children’s outdoor play
Insights from three years of study of an outdoor education research project sheds light on how gradual changes in pedagogical practice can create quality outdoor play opportunities for children. A pair of researchers have shared...Read more
The relationship between play value and outdoor play spaces in Wuhan, China
In the city of Wuhan, improper planning policies and design concepts of residential areas have broken and even destroyed children’s outdoor play spaces, a recent research paper reveals. This has caused some physical and psychological...Read more