Tag: unstructured play

In the summer, kids have many weeks of freedom from school. Here’s how to help them nix boredom while encouraging unplanned, unscheduled fun!

Risky and unstructured play have a crucial role in the physical, mental, and social development of children, says the Canadian Paediatric Society.

Learn what unstructured free play is and why it’s so important our kids take part in it at every age.

It’s easy to create a movement space or room in the house where kids can move freely without worrying about breaking something.

A mud kitchen—an outdoor play kitchen and sand table accessorized with dirt, twigs, and flowers—is messy, wet, and gloriously fun.

There’s a steep hill in our local forest that my kids (ages one, four, and six) love to scale. It’s muddy, slippery, and full of tree roots, with ample opportunities to fall, get up, and fall again. I absolutely love watching them challenge themselves to do this, because I can see how it builds their … Continued

As we all navigate COVID-19, active, outdoor play is exactly what our kids need. Here are some tips to help them get outside, get creative, and get messy.

The problem is that making things too safe can starve children of the very experiences that best help them learn how to keep themselves safe and healthy. As rising numbers of children and teenagers struggle with emotional and social problems, it is all the more important to get this balance right. In the end, the … Continued

Editor’s note: This article was updated on December 8, 2022 Run, jump, swing, glide. When it comes to physical literacy, these essential skills open up a lifetime of fun and activities. And to make the most of an active lifestyle, it’s important to become proficient in these movement skills in every season, in all sorts … Continued

With these creative ideas, a cardboard box will become so much more than that to your kids! It’ll serve as a play prompt for hours of fun.

Kids need movement throughout the day

Find out how you can help your child to “thrive by five”

Let kids play is simple but powerful advice

AfL Role Model Amy Walsh shares her message of the importance of movement

Kids need all kinds of play nutrition at the playground

Creating space opens us up to more activity

Guess what Lacombe and London have in common

Use your backyard, and imagination, to explore

10 international games for kids to play

Find out how active we are as a country

Learn how children develop executive function

School readiness is child’s play

More are recognizing the benefits of risky play

Forget summer plans, keep kids in school instead