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Playworks helps kids to stay active and build valuable skills through play
What a Better Recess Does
Conflict Resolution
Recess doesn’t have to be chaotic. At a better recess, kids acquire tools to work out disagreements and differences.
Leadership Skills
When they’re playing amongst their peers, kids have a valuable opportunity to develop a sense of fairness, confidence, and communication.
Academic Success
Kids who are engaged during recess are more likely to participate in class, which means better attendance and better grades.
Updates
Celebrating 30 Years of Play ›
For 30 years, Playworks has partnered with schools and communities to ensure every child has the chance to experience the power of safe and healthy play. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, read about our history, growth, initiatives and accomplishments over the years.
Introducing SparkPlay presented by Playworks ›
Playworks is thrilled to announce the launch of a new learning tool. SparkPlay is Playworks’ subscription-based, online resource that supports the continuous learning of play-based strategies for school and youth…
Careers ›
Join our team! Playworks believes in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. We partner with schools, districts, and after-school programs to provide a service or mix of services, including on-site coaches, professional training for school staff who support recess, and consultative partnerships.
Playworks Near You
Alabama
Connect with the Playworks team in the Southeast.
Playworks offers trainings and support in Alabama
California
Connect with the Playworks team in Northern California and Southern California.
334,652
Kids Reached in California in the last year
District of Columbia
Playworks happily offers trainings and support in District of Columbia.
Florida
Connect with the Playworks team in the Southeast.
Playworks offers trainings and support in Florida
Georgia
Connect with the Playworks team in the Southeast.
Playworks offers trainings and support in Georgia
Louisiana
Connect with the Playworks team in the Southeast.
Playworks offers trainings and support in Louisiana
Massachusetts
Connect with the Playworks team in New England.
Kids Reached in New England in the last year
Mississippi
Connect with the Playworks team in the Southeast.
Playworks offers trainings and support in Mississippi
New Hampshire
Connect with the Playworks team in New England.
Kids Reached in New England in the last year
New Jersey
Connect with the Playworks team in New Jersey.
Kids Reached in New Jersey in the last year
North Carolina
Connect with the Playworks team in the Southeast.
Playworks offers trainings and support in North carolina
Oregon
Connect with the Playworks team in the Pacific Northwest.
Kids served in the Pacific Northwest in the last year
Pennsylvania
Connect with the Playworks team in Pennsylvania.
Kids Reached in Pennsylvania in the last year
Rhode Island
Connect with the Playworks team in New England.
Kids Reached in New England in the last year
South Carolina
Connect with the Playworks team in the Southeast.
Playworks offers trainings and support in South carolina
Tennessee
Connect with the Playworks team in the Southeast.
Playworks offers trainings and support in Tennessee
Virginia
Connect with the Playworks team in the Southeast.
Playworks offers trainings and support in Virigina
Washington
Connect with the Playworks team in the Pacific Northwest.
Kids served in the Pacific Northwest in the last year
Over 2 Million
Children reacheD in 3,000+ Schools
Playworks has been ensuring children experience the benefits of play every day for almost 30 years. Click on your state to explore what Playworks is doing near you.
According to educators at Playworks schools
Stories
November 26, 2024
Coach Isaiah Marshall’s Impact ›
Everyone agrees: Coach Isaiah Marshall’s deep care and approach with finding the best in everyone he meets inspires, uplifts, and connects individuals and communities. Isaiah is making an impact on…
November 26, 2024
Angel Discovers Confidence as a Leader ›
One of Coach Isaiah’s proudest achievements was creating the opportunity for one of his students, Angel, to transform into a confident leader on the playground. When Isaiah first met Angel,…
News
November 25, 2025
Playworks Celebrates 30 Years of Play ›
What began as a way to make recess more joyful on one playground has grown into a nationwide effort to make play part of every kid’s day. In 1995, Jill…
November 14, 2025
Recess Matters: Why Belonging, Joy, and Play Are the Hidden Keys to School Attendance ›
It started with a familiar moment. A first grader, dressed and ready, stood by the door and asked quietly: “Do I have to go to school today?” There was no…
September 30, 2025
6 Game Tips for a Strong Start to the School Year ›
We are wrapping up our back-to-school blog series with some tips to help kick off the year with play! The first few weeks of school have a huge impact on…
September 26, 2025
Playworks Receives $10 Million Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to Develop Character Strengths in Kids Through the Power of Play ›
Oakland, California – Playworks, the leading national nonprofit harnessing the power of play to help kids stay active, enhance learning, and develop key skills, has been awarded a transformative $10…
