Playworks Utah

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.

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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…

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…

May 13, 2021

Playworks and the Community Foundation of Utah Join Forces to Play it Forward ›

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Playworks and the Community Foundation of Utah Join Forces to Play it Forward Salt Lake City, UT—May 11, 2021—Playworks announced today that it has joined forces with the Community Foundation of Utah to offer immediate relief to Computer Science educators throughout the state with strengthening classroom experiences through fun, engaging play-based resources. …

March 25, 2021

Top 6 Games to Play Physically Distant with No Equipment ›

As more and more schools transition back to in-person learning, we know educators are looking for games that are physically-distant and don’t require equipment. The need for play is more important than ever due to the isolation that our kids have endured during COVID-19. Play encourages creativity, flexibility, teamwork, and other critical social skills. We’ve…

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Upcoming Events


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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


308 East 4500 South
Suite 120
Murray, UT 84107

t: 510.893.4180
f: 801.214.2059

         

Support Play

Our accomplishments would not have been possible without our community of supporters like you! With your help we are able to develop resources for kids to play on the playground and at home, create workbooks to support educators, create more equitable communities through our Equity Statement, design digital content for teachers and students, partner with community organizations to develop social/emotional curriculum, and bring safe and healthy play every day to our kids.

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