The Adventure Playground Movement

The Adventure Playground Movement is an approach to childhood play that emphasizes open-ended, unstructured activities in natural or designed outdoor spaces. Originating in the mid-20th century, it promotes safe risk-taking and creativity, allowing children to explore, build, and solve problems through their own initiatives. Rather than structured sports or playgrounds with fixed equipment, these spaces encourage imagination, cooperation, and resilience by letting children engage with loose parts, natural materials, and varied terrain. The movement aims to support development, independence, and confidence by fostering a more dynamic and engaging environment for play.