Portland Free Play!

Inclusive Self-Directed Free Play with Natural and Recycled Parts

ABOUT

Portland Free Play is a 501-C3 non-profit organization that advocates children’s right to play and provides safe and equal play opportunities for them! Our mission is to provide opportunities for self-directed free play to children and communities who do not have access, and to educate parents and institutions on the value of free play.

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Portland Free Play is a volunteer-based organization and depends upon your support to continue to bring free play opportunities to Portland kids. Your contributions are also tax deductible. Thank you so much!

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"ALL CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE NEED TO PLAY. THE IMPULSE TO PLAY IS INNATE. PLAY IS A BIOLOGICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIAL NECESSITY, AND IS FUNDAMENTAL TO THE HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT AND WELL-BEING OF INDIVIDUALS AND COMMUNITIES."
– PLAYWORK PRINCIPLES

OUR PROGRAMS

SCHOOLYARD PLAY POD

Schoolyard Play Pod contains open-ended “loose parts” that kids can play with during recess time. The parts have no pre-determined use and are adaptable to whatever and however the child wishes to play. We also provide play worker training sessions for the school staff and parents.

POP-UP PLAY DAYS

We organized pop up adventure play days at both indoor and outdoor community spaces like city parks, local farms, schools and museums. We have corroborated with city of Portland with their Free Lunch + Play days and Sunday Parkways too.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

From our annual pumpkin smash to outdoor movie nights, we organize fun/educational community events for both kids and adults. We organize our own events and work with other community members and project provides. Our goal is not only providing free play opportunities but also building a healthy community around play.