About Play Streets
Play Streets are temporary closures of streets (usually 2-5 hours) or activation of existing public spaces to create safe places for play for children all ages.
These FREE, community gatherings transform ordinary streets into dynamic play zones, encouraging physical activity, creativity, and social interaction. By providing a space for children and families to engage in active play, Play Streets promote healthier lifestyles and foster a sense of community connection.
Neighbors can come together, forge new friendships, and enjoy shared experiences, making streets not just pathways for transportation, but lively centers for community engagement and well-being.
Program Components
- 2-5 hours per Play Street
- Host at least two Play Streets in your community
- Plan a variety of activity stations that promote safe and active play
- Engage community partners and organizations in the planning process
Additional Resources
How to Host a Play Street:
Interested in hosting a Play Street in your community? Click HERE to learn more about how to implement a Play Street.
Ready to implement? Fill out a Play Streets request form below!
Play Streets Guide:
Dr. Renée Umstattd Meyer at Baylor University has worked with stakeholders across the United States to implement Play Streets in their communities.
Using her experience and lessons learned, Dr. Umstattd Meyer and her team have created a guide to help with Play Streets implementation.
Check out the Guide to Implementing Play Streets in Rural Communities and additional resources.
Examples of Play Streets Across the United States
- New York City, NY
- Los Angeles, CA
- Pottstown, PA
- Portland, OR
- Chicago, IL
- Nashville, TN
- Atlanta, GA
- San Francisco, CA
- Miami, FL
- Cambridge, MA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Wilmington, DE
Evidence Supporting Play Streets
- Play Streets lead to increased physical activity participation
- Play Streets can foster social interaction and connection
- Play Streets provide the opportunity for community dialogue for broader supportive changes
- Play Streets create a safe environment for outdoor play
- Play Streets utilize existing resources through the activation and use of community spaces
- Play Streets are low-cost and feasible to implement in the community
