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!
“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 (2026-2027)
Wampatuck Play Club
Join us Friday afternoons 3:30PM-5PM on Wampatuck Playground (266 Tilden Rd, Scituate). Free and open to the public.*
Wampatuck play club is a parent volunteer-led community service supported by SSDW. Regular, mixed-age, group play allows kids to freely explore, take age‑appropriate risks, and solve problems with peers. Children build social and emotional skills like flexibility, communication, and resilience with benefits to their growing independence and positive mental health. Plus — it’s fun for the whole community!
Please complete the waiver before heading over to join us.
*Note: Wampatuck Play Club is different than Wampatuck Kids’ Club, another SSDW offering, which requires registration through Scituate Recreation Department.
In-class assignment on one young student’s “favorite part of school”. Answer: “play club”.
Why Play?
Unstructured, child-led play is the missing foundation for healthy development. (Graphic credit: Kevin Stinehart)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
