The Idea

Temporary play streets (or ‘playing out’ sessions) are short road closures, usually organised by neighbours on their own street, creating a safe space for children to play out together on their doorstep.

Play streets typically allow children to play freely, without organised games or activities. In practice, this means children cycle, scoot, skate, chalk, skip, hopscotch, kick a ball around and make up games. They are joyous and active!

This model was first developed by parents (co-founders of Playing Out) on one street in Bristol in 2009 and has now been taken up by hundreds of street communities all over the UK – and beyond – supported by councils and local organisations. Learn more about Playing Out and Play Streets on the Playing Out website: https://playingout.net/play-streets.

Why this Matters

Play streets give children a chance to play, be active and make friends on their street, whilst also building community and encouraging active citizenship. As well as these immediate benefits, they can help to bring about a longer-term culture-change, where streets are safer and friendlier and it is more normal for children to play out.

What you can do

As part of the Community Play Challenge, supported by Real Play Coalition in London, you can apply for a small amount of funding to cover any costs associated with starting Play Streets in your neighbourhood. Play Streets is a low cost programme and you can get started with little or no funding but this funding will allow you to purchase any equipment you might need.