Welcome to the National Institute for Play!

We Champion Play as a Lifelong Necessity

Check Out Our Latest...

Our March newsletter includes the new Play Note: “From Play State to Playful Trait: Embracing Everyday Playfulness,” and a profile of esteemed professor and play researcher Rene Proyer. In our current Play News section, we highlight upcoming conference dates and recent issues of play journals.

Conference

Be the change in education. Playposium – people dedicated to transforming education through the power of play. More at Playposium.

Webinar

Play as a Healing Modality: A Playful Path to Bridging Divides and Strengthening Bonds

Join us for a special conversation between Dr. Stuart Brown, play expert and founder of the National Institute for Play, and Elaine Chung, founder of My Play Type, a creative studio focused on designing personalized play experiences.

Podcast

Each month, we share a podcast detailing our Play Notes in the form of a conversation. In our April episode, we explore the powerful impact of playfulness in romantic relationships. From sparking joy and creativity to deepening emotional intimacy, playfulness helps couples create a safe and open space for connection. We discuss how a lighthearted approach can ease conflict, boost communication, and even lead to more adventurous sex. Tune in to learn why embracing playfulness isn’t just fun—it’s a key to keeping love vibrant, resilient, and deeply satisfying.

Our Work

What is Play?

Understand the basics of play as a state of mind.

Play for Children

Resources for educators, parents, and caregivers.

Play for Adults

Find suggestions for incorporating more play into your daily life.

Play in Early Education

Discover the power of play-based learning in early childhood education.

Your Play Nature

Check out these questions to identify your personal play nature.

Play Personalities

Learn about the eight Play Personalities developed by Dr. Stuart Brown.

What We Know So Far

Read our summary of key findings from a diverse body of play research.

For Doctors & Therapists

Learn about the Practitioners Prescribing Play (PPP) Program.

Books on Play

Explore our library of over 100 fundamental books on play.

Play Organizations

Browse our directory of play practitioners, publishers, nonprofits, advocacy groups, and more.

Science of Play

See the wide array of play research conducted globally across over twenty scientific disciplines.

Play Researchers

Check out our profiles of the most influential figures in the field of play.

All of These People Are Playing

Do you recognize play when you see it?

Support the Power of Play Today

Your contributions sustain our mission to provide the latest news and resources in the field of play.

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