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National Institute for Play

The National Institute for Play is a 501c(3) non-profit public benefit corporation dedicated to advancing society’s understanding and application of play — a long-ignored biological capability that can lead to healthier, happier lives.

Dr. Stuart Brown founded the National Institute for Play to study the scientific knowledge on play behavior and understand its implications. Thirty years later, there have been many discoveries indicating that play is life-giving:
- Adults who play experience less stress and more optimism and well-being.
- Children who are allowed to play are faster learners, more creative, and more socially competent.

National Institute for Play
What does play really mean, and how can it boost our creativity and well-being?This is the recording of our first webinar, Power Up Play, a virtual discussion with Stanford Adjunct Professors Stuart Brown and Brendan Boyle.Join us for an engaging conversation with Dr. Stuart Brown, play expert and founder of the National Institute for Play, along with Brendan Boyle, toy inventor, founder of IDEO Play Lab, and professor at Stanford University’s d.School. Together, they’ll explore the science behind play, the different types of “play personalities,” and how embracing play can enhance your everyday life.
Power Up Play Webinar | December 3, 2024
In 2008 the National Institute for Play convened the State of Play Science Summit that brought many of the leading play scientists together at Stanford University for two days to share their research findings with each other. During the summit several of the scientists were interviewed on camera about their work; this 30 minute video is a compilation of those interviews which include: Dr. Stuart Brown, Scott Eberle, Jaak Panksepp, Jeff Burdorf, Steve Siviy, Joe Frost and Joan Abrahamson
State of Play Conference 2008 | National Institute for Play
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NIFPlay and Dr. Stuart Brown have been featured in these media outlets (and more!)

The Institute wants the world to know:
A) Playing, being playful, is the healthiest way to spend your time (after feeding and housing yourself).
B) The activities that evoke playful feelings are unique to each of us.

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