Welcome to the National Institute for Play!

We Champion Play as a Lifelong Necessity

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 Our January Play Note covers the importance of free play for children, highlighting its role in fostering creativity, self-regulation, and problem-solving. We profile Dr. Joe Frost, a pioneering researcher in play and playground design. Our Play News features a highlight on how play transforms youth sports and enhances adult friendships. 

 “The Power of Play” report distills decades of research.

What does play really mean, and how can it boost our creativity and well-being?

Join us for an engaging conversation between Dr. Stuart Brown, play expert and founder of the National Institute for Play, and Brendan Boyle, toy inventor, founder of IDEO Play Lab, and professor at Stanford University.

Each month, we share a podcast detailing our Play Notes in the form of a conversation. January’s podcast covers The Importance of Play for Children.

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

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

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