SSDW Play Days rainbow tie-dyed PLAY flag, a sheet hung by clips with the word play written in multicolored tape. — SSDW Play Days

We welcome South Shore families to join us for joyful play and socialization in screen-free settings. SSDW Play Days makes space for kids to create their own adventures in a supportive community.
Subscribe to our Play Days Calendar so you’ll never miss a chance to play!

Subscribe to the Play Days Calendar

“Children need play, they need play to develop well. It’s not a luxury, it’s not something that we should regard as recess or a break from learning—it is learning.”

— Peter Gray, PhD

Current Offerings:

Wampatuck Outdoor Play Days

Play Days at Wampatuck Elementary School in Scituate

3:45pm to 5:00pm, no cost

Please be complete the waiver before heading over to join us.

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A child's school assignment to write about their favorite thing: play club. The drawing depicts play on the outdoor play structure using a rope zipline fashioned by the child out of loose part materials.

In-class assignment on one young student’s “favorite part of school”. Answer: “play club”.

The Tier 0 Problem in Play Deprivation Delay Theory (PDDT) holds that unstructured play is the foundation for development that has been eroded in modern childhood. (Graphic by Kevin Stinehart)

Unstructured, child-led play is the missing foundation for healthy development. (Graphic credit: Kevin Stinehart)

Regular group play allows kids to freely explore, take age‑appropriate risks, and solve problems with peers. When kids have time to play together without constant adult direction, they become more confident, learn to navigate conflicts, and practice problem‑solving in a way that video games and structured adult-led activities can’t replace. Children build social and emotional skills like flexibility, communication, and resilience, while caregivers connect with one another and the wider school community.
All ages and abilities are welcome: younger children can participate with a caregiver present, and older kids are welcome to join us as mentors and play ambassadors. Mixed‑age play is especially important because it lets younger kids learn skills and confidence from older role models, while giving older kids meaningful chances to practice leadership, empathy, and inclusion.
We are currently putting together a Parent Guide to Play Days, along with additional resources like a few favorite books about play and independence. These resources will be linked here on this page as soon as they are ready. In the meantime, check out the Let Grow website for more inspiration — or fill out our contact form.
If you’re interested in starting a play group at your school or in your neighborhood, Let Grow offers step‑by‑step tools and templates to help you get started. Their Implementation Guides are available for free when you fill out their form, and you’re always welcome to reach out to us through our contact form with questions or for support.