As a child, one of the most exciting parts of Halloween is getting to run around the neighborhood and play with friends, both old and new. It’s also the perfect time to encourage children to go explore and engage in creative play outdoors, before the weather turns cold. Halloween is when children’s imaginations will be running wild as they think of creative costumes, spooky stories, and excuses as to why they need “just one more” piece of candy. Channeling this already flowin

For those of us in the north, we have grown accustomed to below freezing temperatures. We are no stranger to seven thermal layers, the sound of heaters blasting, and the need to keep close to the fireplace between the months of November and March. Even though the weather outside might not be the best, the mission of keeping our children’s creative juices flowing throughout winter is still a priority. Free play is proven to have a large impact on child development. It helps th

Recycling is an important responsibility kids should grow up practicing. But is it possible to teach kids the significance of recycling that will carry on into adulthood? Of course it is! The key is to make recycling a fun and engaging activity. A great way to introduce the concept of recycling to kids is through bedtime stories. Books like Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax make recycling more relatable to young minds. There are several options for books about recycling and local book sto

Most kids grow up hearing the phrase “sharing is caring” over and over again. How do you get a child to believe it, though? Most kids don’t want to give up their favorite toy so that someone else can have a turn, even if it would be caring to do so. Studies show that kids don’t start understanding the concept of sharing until around the age of five, so if a parent is getting frustrated their two-year-old simply isn’t getting the idea, it’s best to ease up and start with the s

Outside the comfort of home, the world can be scary. There are many dangers outside the door. Germs, people, freak accidents can all cause parents anxiety at the thought of their child out and about in the world. Should these dangers prevent kids from playing outside? Studies show absolutely not. Not only can the mere imagine of greenery calm a mind, but it has also been shown that kids who play outside have increased attention spans and less anxieties. A child’s mind is cons

While kids nowadays are technology experts, they are also missing out on a huge part of their childhood. Yes, some video games might improve kids’ hand–eye coordination, problem-solving skills, and even teach them basic technical skills that will reap rewards down the road— but something seems to be missing. What happened to pure child-like freedom where anything is possible and imaginations run wild? Do kids still experience the same joy, connection and carefree laughter as

“ Shake your groove thing, shake your groove thing, yeah, yeah. Show 'em how we do it now…” Kids don’t move like their parents used to, and it’s time to show ‘em how. According to the Alliance For A Healthier Generation, today, one in three children are overweight or obese. Scary, right? This is triple the rate from just one generation ago. The lack of physical activity and the increased screen time our children are receiving each day means that kids aren’t getting outside, a

Get up and get active! Here’s why Project Play believes in reintroducing backyard games to this generation of children. A Cost-Free Solution Being active is essential to living a healthier life. Children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Project Play’s mission is to reintroduce the simple nature traditional outdoor games provide. No high-level equipment or monthly fees are needed, just some creativity and fun is all it takes. No Technology Required In t