Let them play! Kids need freedom from play restrictions to develop
You may have heard of play. It’s that thing children do – the diverse range of unstructured, spontaneous activities and behaviours. Children play in many ways, including by exploring movements, constructing with equipment, creating games,...Read more
Exploring the latest trends for outdoor play structures
As children grow up, they need many things they wouldn’t consider on their own. They need to face challenges to help them develop social and interactive skills, as well as book smarts and the ability...Read more
Unconventional playgrounds develop creativity in children
Extraordinary playground ideas bring out the creativity in children. That is the opinion of Adelina Benson. In this article, she gives a brief overview of the different types of playgrounds and the benefits they provide. Children...Read more
Inclusive play design: why, how and who
Sarah Lisiecki has studied play professionally for more than five years. In this article, she details how Embrace Park in the city of Norfolk created a space for all children and brought a community together. “The value...Read more
How nature can help promote higher use of play environments
By integrating the living landscape with the built environment, studies show that children reach a higher range of active behaviors, a greater diversity of play opportunities is offered, and the experience becomes more enriching for...Read more
A history of play provision in the UK
Raymond Wills entered play work as a Community Service Volunteer in the early 1960s. Throughout his time in play work, he was an active member of numerous play bodies, Play Councils, regional play associations and national...Read more
South Delhi rolling out sensory parks for children
Children in southern Delhi are to benefit from a new initiative that will see local parks revamped to create new and challenging ‘sensory spaces’. The first such facility should be up and running by the end...Read more
Building free and accessible playgrounds in Brazil
By donating free and accessible playgrounds, the Brazil-based ALPAPATO Project is creating valuable opportunities for children – both with and without disabilities – to connect through play. Julia Zvobgo, Community Manager of Child in the...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
University recruits ‘pint-sized’ experts to design new playground
The University of Queensland (UQ) is looking to design one of Brisbane’s newest playgrounds by enlisting the help of those best qualified to come up with ideas – the youngsters who will be using it. UQ...Read more
‘Risky’ UK playgrounds cause a stir across the Atlantic
The designers of playgrounds in UK primary schools, communities and cities are increasingly building in a ‘danger’ element to show children that it’s OK to take risks in everyday play. In what’s being seen as a...Read more
Building better play: five ways London playgrounds are getting it right
In this article, the US play researcher Meghan Talarowski reports on how her six-month study of playgrounds in London inspired her, and what it is that she found they were doing better. “Life is either a...Read more
Why US playgrounds must emulate the UK and Europe
Meghan Talarowski is the founder and director of Studio Ludo, a non-profit research, design and advocacy company in Philadelphia, USA. Ahead of next week’s Child in the City international seminar on children’s play in the urban...Read more
A disconnect between advocacy and provision for play
The International Play Association conference in Calgary provided Robin Sutcliffe with an opportunity to reflect, a process which gave rise to some concerns. In the first of this two part-article, he suggests that the ‘movers...Read more