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
Supporting Student Mental Health Through Play ›
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Playworks and the American Academy of Pediatrics teamed up for a special webinar exploring the ecosystem of care for kids’ mental health and…
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 ›
Playworks Near You
Alabama
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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
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Playworks offers trainings and support in Georgia
Louisiana
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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
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Playworks offers trainings and support in Mississippi
New Hampshire
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Kids Reached in New England in the last year
New Jersey
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Kids Reached in New Jersey in the last year
North Carolina
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Playworks offers trainings and support in North carolina
Oregon
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Kids served in the Pacific Northwest in the last year
Pennsylvania
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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
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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
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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
June 26, 2025
Playworks Participated in International Day of Play Roundtable ›
On this year’s International Day of Play, Playworks joined The Opentree Foundation for a roundtable discussion titled ‘Choose Play, Everyday.’ This event brought together voices from around the world to…
June 4, 2025
10 Games to Get Kids Moving ›
Kids need physical activity, and play is one of the most effective and joyful ways to make it happen. Whether it’s during recess, in the classroom, or at home, active…
April 24, 2025
Playworks announces new Youth Leadership training program ›
Playworks has been partnering with schools and youth-serving organizations to run one of the few youth leadership programs available at the elementary school level for about 30 years. When kids…
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…
