Playworks Pacific Northwest

Playworks helps kids stay active and build valuable social and emotional skills through play.

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About

All kids deserve the social, emotional, and physical benefits of play. We help schools and youth programs create healthy play environments where every child can join in.

Learn more about our impact

Latest News


January 10, 2023

Understanding the Complex Simplicities of Play ›

Play is a behavior that is natural and has existed for thousands of years and across species. It combines a set of made-up rules or norms and a willingness to explore. Researchers, scientists, and doctors have studied the effects of play on kids–and adults–and understand that this natural behavior has tremendous benefits. As the American…

February 4, 2022

Believe in Me Foundation Visits with Playworks ›

Julie Wukelic, from the Believe in Me Foundation for Kids, visited with our ED Asia Wisecarver and SC Paige Evans last week. Playworks PacNW was recently rewarded with a $5,000 grant from the foundation. This grant will allow us to continue our work with schools in the Spokane area. We look forward to working with…

KATU2

December 16, 2021

KATU2’s Season of Giving: Playworks Pacific Northwest ›

KATU is celebrating the Season of Giving, shining a spotlight on local organizations that need community support. Playworks Pacific Northwest program and partnership director Tami Daoud and senior program manager Taylor Timms share more about local work.

August 24, 2021

Playworks Founder Jill Vialet Publishes ‘Why Play Works’ ›

Play brings out the best in every kid. Over the course of 25 years since Jill Vialet founded Playworks, she and her colleagues, as well as researchers and play experts, have demonstrated precisely how and why play works to help kids learn and grow in the most positive and healthy ways. Jill gathered stories from people…

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Upcoming Events


October 07, 2023 @ 2:00 PM

Kickin’ It With Playworks: Footgolf Tournament 2023 ›

About the Event Teams of 4 people will battle it out over 18 holes to be crowned Footgolf Champions! The winning team receives a trophy and their picture on Playworks’…

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A Better Recess


Instead of going back to class energized and ready to learn after recess, kids often return upset and unable to focus. We can change this. At a great recess:

Kids are at their best

Kids bring out the best in themselves and each other. They learn the value of fair play, compassion, and respect. They practice key social and emotional skills.

Kids become leaders

They run their own games and settle their disputes quickly (we recommend rock, paper, scissors) because getting along is more fun than fighting.

Kids choose to be active

When all students are included and all students know how to play popular games, every child has the opportunity to discover the joy of active play.

Contact Us


PO Box 15037
Portland, OR 97293

t: 971.213.2679
f: 503.345.6687

   

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