Playworks Southern California

Playworks helps kids stay active and build valuable skills through play.

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About

All kids deserve the social, emotional, and physical benefits of play. We help schools and youth programs create healthy play environments where every child can join in.

Learn more about our impact

 

Latest News


March 24, 2025

How Play Fuels Academic Success ›

One of the most impactful ways to support student learning starts with play.  At Playworks, we’ve seen firsthand how the benefits of play extend far beyond recess time. When kids…

February 11, 2025

Resourceful Play with Minimal Equipment ›

Imagine a rainy day when outdoor recess is canceled or a play area with no traditional play equipment in sight. Even in these moments, kids, with the help of adults,…

January 13, 2025

Making Any Space a Playspace ›

Play is essential to a child’s development, regardless of whether it happens on a bustling playground, in a quiet classroom, or even in a small hallway. While a traditional outdoor…

December 18, 2024

15 Days of Play: Celebrating Partnership & Teamwork with WSS ›

At Playworks Southern California, partnerships are at the heart of our mission to bring the power of play to kids and communities. As we celebrate our 15th Anniversary, we’re thrilled…

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Upcoming Events


April 16, 2025 @ 12:30 PM

Youth-led Play Shapes Tomorrow’s Leaders ›

The Game Plan webinar series is back with exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring the benefits of play…

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A Better Recess


Instead of going back to class energized and ready to learn after recess, kids often return upset and unable to focus. We can change this. At a great recess:

Kids are at their best

Kids bring out the best in themselves and each other. They learn the value of fair play, compassion, and respect. They practice key skills.

Kids become leaders

They run their own games and settle their disputes quickly (we recommend rock, paper, scissors) because getting along is more fun than fighting.

Kids choose to be active

When all students are welcome, and all students know how to play popular games, every child has the opportunity to discover the joy of active play.

Contact Us


1423 Broadway PMB 161
Oakland, CA 94612

t: 310.822.4148
f: 310.988.2540


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