Playworks Northern California

Playworks helps kids stay active and build valuable social and emotional 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

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Latest News


September 20, 2024

Adapting Play for Varying Abilities ›

A 5th grade student had Brittle Bone Disease, a rare condition where his bones are fragile and prone to fracture. In his four years at the elementary school, he had…

September 4, 2024

Playworks Northern California Receives $25,000 Foundation Grant from U.S. Bank ›

Oakland, CA – Playworks Northern California, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of children by increasing opportunities for physical activity and safe, meaningful play, …

August 20, 2024

The Power of Norms ›

As students return back to school, setting norms becomes essential in easing the transition. Shared norms are important throughout the school day, from the classroom to the playground and even…

August 1, 2024

Introducing SparkPlay presented by Playworks ›

Playworks is thrilled to announce the launch of a new learning tool. SparkPlay is Playworks’ subscription-based, online resource supports the continuous learning of safe and healthy play for school and…

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Upcoming Events


October 23, 2024 @ 12:30 PM

Thriving Through Play ›

Get ready for the return of The Game Plan webinar series—now featuring exciting new topics! Playworks invites educators and administrators to join our free, four-part series designed to help bring…

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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 social and emotional 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 included 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: 510.893.4180

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A little goes a long way. Help Playworks give children a good start.

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