children aren’t fine
The children aren’t fine; none of us are fine. Children don't play because they are fine: they play because play is how children instinctively process the world around them. Read more
field guide
The American Camp Association and the YMCA of the USA have released a "field guide" for how summer and day camps can operate more safely during the coronavirus pandemic. Read more
The Ickabog
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
Playwork and Playworkers
Playwork is the support given by adults in an unobtrusive way of children's open-ended, creative free play. During a play session, Playworkers are available to assist a child if needed, but strive to be as inconspicuous as possible to allow the children to direct their own play.
Global Recess Alliance
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
encourage childrens play
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
building forts
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
nations best park system
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 wellness
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
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
