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Childrens Play in Urban Areas

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Play and Recreation, Health and Wellbeing

Part of the book series: Geographies of Children and Young People ((GCYP,volume 9))

Abstract

This book chapter provides a critical review of literature related to children’s free and manipulative play in urban areas with a peek into possible future directions for children’s play. Recognizing that play is fundamental to the development of a child, and that it has value when driven voluntarily and freely, children’s free play that encourages exploration, curiosity and imagination are examined. Nature provides quick access to a wide range of materials, heights and textures that encourages children to manipulate and make sense of their worlds through play. In this light, the chapter explores opportunities and challenges in urban settings that afford or restrict free and manipulative play; and also critically reflects upon designed play spaces including “adventure”, “loose parts”, and “traditional” playgrounds.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental Psychology Program/Children’s Environments Research Group, The Graduate Center, City University New York, 365, Fifth Avenue, New York, NY, 10016, USA

    Sruthi Atmakur-Javdekar

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  1. Sruthi Atmakur-Javdekar
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Correspondence to Sruthi Atmakur-Javdekar .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography and Planning, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom

    Bethan Evans

  2. Centre of Children and Youth, The University of Northampton, Northampton, United Kingdom

    John Horton

  3. Department of Geography, National University of Singapore Department of Geography, Singapore, Singapore

    Tracey Skelton

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Atmakur-Javdekar, S. (2016). Childrens Play in Urban Areas. In: Evans, B., Horton, J., Skelton, T. (eds) Play and Recreation, Health and Wellbeing. Geographies of Children and Young People, vol 9. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-4585-51-4_3

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