One day, in the principal's office . . .

In 1995, a frazzled principal with three little boys in tow asked Jill Vialet if she could do anything about recess. We’ve been helping educators re-think playtime ever since.

Our History

Play is a basic human need.

Kids who play are resilient, empathetic, and active.

Through play, kids learn to make friends, solve problems, and believe in themselves. Even in hard times.

Why Play

We help every kid play, every day.

We help schools and youth programs create recess and play environments where every child can join in.

All kids should experience the social, emotional, and physical benefits of play.

What we do

Our Core Values

core values graphic

News from the Field

Playworks is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit respected for our evidence-informed services and strategic approach to scale. Now, we are looking beyond the schools that we serve to help 3.5 million students in 7,000 schools experience safe and healthy play every day. Read what people are writing about Playworks across the country, get the inside story on the growing movement for play, and write about play or Playworks.

In the News Latest Updates Press Kit

Aiming High

Learn about our impact this year and our plans.

Read the Report

Our Community

Supporters

Meet the people and foundations who are improving children’s social and emotional health every day through the power of play.

Corporate Partners

Learn how athletes, businesses, and peer organizations around the country are making our communities playful.

Play Partners

We are fortunate to work alongside many like-minded organizations who believe in the power of safe and healthy play to impact kids’ lives.

Join the Team


We’re hiring! Join us on the playground or behind the scenes.

Open positions