Bring Back Play is a movement to reclaim childhood through unstructured, kid-led play. We create safe spaces where kids can invent games, solving problems, and building friendships without adult direction or overly restrictive structures.

Each site has one adult supervisor who is trained specifically to act as a “lifeguard.” They will intervene if there is an injury or bullying persists. They are instructed not to coach or interfere with minor disputes over rules, fair play etc. Part of the magic of free play is for kids to learn to handle these disagreements themselves.

Exclusion can happen sometimes — and it’s actually one of the most valuable learning moments in free play. Instead of stepping in to “fix” it, our facilitators guide kids to work through it: communicating, negotiating, and finding ways to include others. It’s how empathy, confidence, and leadership take root.

They can ask other kids! What better way is there to practice social skills than to be uncomfortable and ask a peer for help?

In structured environments, adults step in the moment something feels unfair or uncomfortable. But in true free play, kids learn how to include themselves, solve problems, and navigate group dynamics — essential social skills that can’t be taught in a classroom.

That said, we don’t leave kids to struggle alone. Our facilitators quietly observe and step in only when necessary — not to fix things for them, but to help them build tools for communication and inclusion. We create a culture where kindness, fairness, and fun are the norm — and we coach kids on how to invite others in, adapt games, and handle conflicts respectfully.

In short: exclusion might happen sometimes, but it’s also where some of the most meaningful growth happens. Kids learn how to speak up, listen, compromise, and ultimately, belong — not because an adult made it happen, but because they did.

Let them be bored! Figuring out how to manage boredom is a great learning opportunity and they might end up trying something that they ordinarily wouldn’t have considered.

Play on! Be prepared for inclement weather by bringing jackets and extra clothes if it’s muddy. If there is severe weather that threatens the safety of the kids we will cancel the session and fully refund all participants.

Phones can be stored in backpacks but are not allowed out unless they are trying to contact their parents/guardians or in case of emergency. We want to encourage the kids to have face to face interactions while they have the opportunity to be together.

After-school programs and sports are great — but they’re structured, adult-led, and often focused on performance. Bring Back Play is kid-led and creativity-driven. No drills, no scores, no coaches — just space to explore, make mistakes, and have fun.

We charge a small fee ($10 per session) to cover equipment, insurance, and facility rental rental. But we believe every kid deserves to play, so no one is turned away. We offer zero pay options options for families who can’t pay as well as the option to sponsor a child by paying double for your child to attend.

Parents are not allowed to watch because parental presence is a barrier to the freedom these kids so desperately desire. However, our free play session have designated hang out spots adjacent to the playing field. Many parents love relaxing nearby (but separate from their kids) — chatting with friends, enjoying a coffee, or just soaking up the joy. The goal is to build community for everyone, not just the kids.

We have trained facilitators on-site who are instructed to call the emergency contact information provided at signup. But more importantly, we encourage healthy risk-taking — the kind that builds confidence and body awareness, not danger. Kids learn how to assess risk, take responsibility, and help each other safely.

Research has shown that kids are significantly more likely to get injured during organized sport than during free play. It is also far more dangerous to ride in a car or be a pedestrian.