We mapped 18,000 children’s playgrounds and revealed inequality across England

Our maps show some kids have nearer, bigger playgrounds than others.

Michael Martin, Lecturer in Urban Design and Planning, University of Sheffield • conversation
June 4, 2025 ~7 min

Play 'humanises' paediatric care and should be key feature of a child-friendly NHS – report

The Cambridge report argues that play should be a recognised component of children’s healthcare in the Government’s forthcoming 10-year plan for the NHS.

Cambridge University News • cambridge
March 31, 2025 ~7 min


At its core, life is all about play − just look at the animal kingdom

Reduced to its essence, the process of natural selection would look a lot like play.

David Toomey, Professor of English, UMass Amherst • conversation
Aug. 12, 2024 ~8 min

Playing with the kids is important work for chimpanzee mothers

When resources are tight, mothers bear the costs of playing with their offspring even as they avoid socializing with others.

Kris Sabbi, Fellow in Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University • conversation
May 8, 2024 ~8 min

Happier, more connected neighborhoods start right in the front yard

A new study shows how front yards can serve as windows into the inner lives of their residents – and their feelings about their home, neighborhood and city.

Kelly Gregg, Assistant Professor of Urban Planning, University at Buffalo • conversation
April 8, 2024 ~9 min

I wrote a play for children about integrating the arts into STEM fields − here's what I learned about encouraging creative, interdisciplinary thinking

Is it a STEM education or a STEAM education? Integrating arts into science programming and vice versa can pique kids’ curiosity − a play touring Michigan aims to do just that.

Rob Roznowski, Professor of Acting, Michigan State University • conversation
Jan. 12, 2024 ~8 min

Laughter can communicate a lot more than good humor – people use it to smooth social interactions

Laughter is so fundamental that animals like chimps, rats and dogs share the ability with humans. But in people it serves more serious social functions than just letting others know you’re having fun.

Adrienne Wood, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Virginia • conversation
July 25, 2023 ~8 min

Why don’t parents like their kids to play with toy guns?

Even fake guns can be dangerous if they are mistaken for real ones by the police or other armed adults.

Laura Prater, Research Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington • conversation
March 27, 2023 ~5 min


Pre-school play with friends lowers risk of mental health problems later

Children who learn to play well with others at pre-school age tend to enjoy better mental health as they get older, new research shows. The findings provide

Cambridge University News • cambridge
June 14, 2022 ~7 min

Infants need lots of active movement and play – and there are simple ways to help them get it

Even babies who are not yet standing or walking get lots of benefits from active movement – but most infants aren’t getting enough physical activity.

Danae Dinkel, Associate Professor, Department of Health and Kinesiology, University of Nebraska Omaha • conversation
March 3, 2022 ~9 min

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