This week mornings there’s magic happening in parks around Wellington. It’s simple, it’s potent, and it’s joyful: it’s The Big Play Out!

Ever wished you could play with the kinds of amazing stuff they have at Playcentres – kid-sized diggers, giant-sized bubbles, home-made quicksand – and loads of cool people from your neighbourhood?

Wellington Playcentre Association is running a Summer Series of the spectacularly successful Big Play Out.

They’re all chocka with the kinds of great fun you don’t get to play with normally at a normal fair or park — and definitely not at home!

See what they got up to in Springtime on their Facebook page

See the full list of Summer Big Play Outs

TODAY Shorland Park in Island Bay
This Wednesday Aotea Lagoon, Porirua
This Thursday Central Park, Te Aro/Brooklyn
This Friday Raumati Gardens, Kāpiti and Grasslees Reserve, Tawa

And here’s a crazy idea: what if kids’ own streets were places we could play?
If we could be digging, skipping, playing with balls (/ diggers / costumes / delicious slime), talking and having fun closer to home?

If this idea seems crazy, check out the excellent Playing Out . 

What would it take to get more tamariki enjoying a Play Out in your neighbourhood streets?  
Tell it in the comments below.

• Image credits:
• play street (road closure sign): PlayingOut
• All other images: Wellington Playcentre Association

Tags: play, public space