Playful Childhoods aims to help parents, carers grandparents and community groups give children plenty of good opportunities to play.
Having the chance to play is an important part of a happy and healthy childhood for every child. Playing is fun and has always been part how children learn and grow. It is one of the most important parts of their lives – children value having time, space and freedom to play at home and in their local community.
As adults, it’s our responsibility to make sure this happens.
Most of us have good and happy memories of playing and recognise the value of play. But, a strong sense of responsibility to keep children safe and busy creates a challenge for parents and communities.
Parents and carers are important supporters of play for children – no matter how old they are. Whether your child is still playing peek-a-boo, jumping in puddles, or starting to want to venture out on their own with friends, the Playful Parenting section of the website provides helpful reminders, ideas and tips about play for all children.
Groups such as residents associations, school Parent Teacher Associations and town and community councils all have an important part to play, such as organising outdoor events or campaigning for children’s play areas and by helping to promote changes in attitudes and practices. The Playful Communities section of the website contains a range of information and tips to help groups to consider children’s play in their community.
Playful Childhoods is a Play Wales campaign and the website is an important part. We worked with parents to try to create information and ideas to support:
Get involved in a new play ideas e-book Read more
New handy guide for parents Read more
Fun play ideas for the whole family Read more
Guest blog by Educational Psychologist, Dr Dan O’Hare Read more
Supporting your child or teenager Read more
Seeking children and teenagers’ views Read more
Resources for parents and carers Read more
Has your family given these a go? Read more
Play ideas for the bank holiday weekend Read more
A message from a child psychiatrist Read more
Playing and well-being Read more
Read a right to play storybook Read more
Read more
Free copies of the storybook available Read more
“Try and go through a day without learning anything...” Read more
Easy games for playing at home Read more
Mother and daughter perspective on freedom to play out Read more
Do you fancy a game of conkers?! Read more
Let's get our children outside and away from screens Read more
A short practical guide to help make communities more playful Read more
Remember playing hide & seek, hopscotch and skipping games? Read more
Here’s our take on the toy unboxing trend! Read more
Mick Conway shares his experiences on establishing Playday Read more
Free copies of children's right to play storybook available Read more
Tim Gill's views on importance of children having freedom to take risks Read more
Andrea Sysum shares her experience of providing inclusive community play provision all year round Read more
In the first guest blog post, Ally John tells us about hunting for Gruffalo with her toddler grandson Read more
Pop-up Adventure Play talks about the benefits of everyday materials for children’s play in public space Read more