Playworks helps kids to stay active and build valuable life 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
Introducing New Members of Playworks Board of Directors ›
Playworks is thrilled to welcome five new members to our National Board of Directors. Each brings a unique set of talents and perspective that will support Playworks’ mission. The individuals who…
Updating you on our equity journey ›
When Playworks began our equity journey several years ago, we knew it would be a long term investment in our people, partners, and communities. We committed to centering equity as…
Careers ›
Join our team! Playworks is changing the way children experience school every day by leveraging the power of safe and healthy play. Our core values of inclusion, respect, healthy community, and healthy play are the foundation of our organization and are infused in all aspects of our work, including recruiting and retaining the best talent we can.
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
Over 2 Million
Children reacheD in 3,000+ Schools
Playworks has been ensuring children experience safe, healthy play every day for over 25 years. Click on your state to explore what Playworks is doing near you.
Elementary students with strong social and emotional skills are . . .
Recess is a natural learning lab for important life skills. Learn about our impact ›
Stories
May 15, 2020
Recess is Necessary ›
Researchers agree: it’s important to prioritize recess in how schools approach re-opening. The research community has come together to establish the Global Recess Alliance in an effort to bring attention…
April 26, 2019
Stories from the Playground: Coach Hoops ›
It’s not every day that a Playworks #AmeriCorps Coach is honored by the Los Angeles Lakers, complete with a basketball clinic hosted by legendary forward A.C. Green. Then again, being…
News
August 30, 2023
Safety first ›
The foundation for academic success and child development is safety. Emotional and physical safety are the foundation needed for kids to then be able to learn, develop, and grow. Ninety…
May 31, 2023
The Significance of Play in Children’s Mental Health ›
In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re exploring research around this topic and how play (and Playworks) can make a difference. The urgent need to support children’s mental health …
May 30, 2023
Playworks Alumni Spotlight: Alison Vaux-Bjerke ›
In this Q&A, former Coach Alison Vaux-Bjerke reflects on her Playworks experience and her journey into a career in youth sports and health initiatives. Q: What position did you hold…
May 25, 2023
National Board of Directors visit to Playworks School ›
During the May 2023 National Board of Directors meeting in Oakland, CA, the board gathered to strategize, plan, and experience the power of play firsthand. Board members and Playworks teammates…
Events
October 25, 2023
Playground Mapping 101 ›
Make sure your playground is prepared for play. Join us as for the first webinar in the return of The Game Plan, a free, four-part series designed to provide practical…
