J.K. Rowling has introduced The Ickabog, an original fairy tale for children in lockdown. The story is offered to read for free online along with an illustration competition for children ages 7-12 to illustrate the published edition of the book due in November. Read more
The Global Recess Alliance argues that attention to recess during school reopening is essential. Seeing their friends, playing, and being outside add normalcy to the school day and are important ways for children to heal. Read more
Running out of ideas to encourage children’s play at home? Believe it or not, children do not need a lot of toys in the home to play. Here are some great suggestions for play ideas. Read more
Kids love building forts and experts say they might need them more than ever to help kids process the unnerving new reality of quarantine. Read more
As state and municipal leaders continue reopening parks and open spaces as the world weathers the COVID-19 pandemic, The Trust for Public Land announced that Minneapolis, Minn., reclaimed its position as the nation’s best park system on the annual ParkScore® Index. Read more
Play and playfulness can serve as an important foil to the stressors facing children and adults alike during the COVID-19 pandemic. Play can improve our coping skills and we can thank our neurobiology and the amazing connections proven between play and wellness. Read more
Parks matter more than ever during a time of sickness – something Frederick Law Olmsted understood in the 19th century as he designed some of America’s most beloved parks with health benefits in mind. Read more
Returning to school as they reopen is an opportunity for new beginnings. It is time to implement more movement, not less; more hands-on experiences, not less; and more outdoor playtime, not less. Read more
