Bernheim believes free play is essential to a child’s growth and development! That is why we are hosting our first Free Play Day of 2015 this Saturday, March 14 at Keystone Learning Academy in Louisville’s West End. If you are in the area, bring your kiddo on over and watch as he or she experiences a day of imagination and self-directed play.
Free Play Days are a part of our Children at Play initiative, a regional effort to champion outdoor play environments and practices that connect children with nature for life. This Saturday’s Free Play Day will be the first of nine throughout the year, which will be held in various places across the Greater Louisville region.
Free play provides unstructured opportunities that give children creative control over their play environment. Doing so fosters decision-making, risk management, social rule making, collaboration and creativity. Studies repeatedly show that self-directed play in nature is not only essential for health and happiness but also contributes positively to academic performance in children.
Parents who are interested in their children participating in this Saturday’s Free Play Day can join Bernheim staff between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Keystone Learning Academy located at 1705 South 13th Street. The event is free and open to the public. A parent or guardian must be in attendance the whole time.
Other upcoming Free Play Days include:
Saturday, April 4
10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Louisville Zoo – 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville KY
Note: This play day is free for zoo members and at regular admission rates for all others.
Saturday, April 11
11 a.m. – 3p.m.
Chestnut Street YMCA – 930 West Chestnut Street, Louisville KY
Saturday, May 9
11a.m. – 3p.m.
Portland Plays at Shippingport Community Garden – 2500 Montgomery Street, Louisville KY
Saturday, May 16
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Bernheim Edible Garden during BloomFest – Bernheim Forest
Saturday, June 13
11 a.m. – 4p.m.
Bernheim Children’s Play Garden – Bernheim Forest
Saturday, August 1
11 a.m. – 2p.m.
Portland Plays at Shippingport Community Garden – 2500 Montgomery Street, Louisville KY
Saturday, August 8
11 a.m. – 3p.m.
Jefferson Memorial Forest at Horine Reservation – 12304 Holsclaw Hill Rd., Louisville KY
Saturday, October 10
11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Portland Plays at Shippingport Community Garden – 2500 Montgomery Street, Louisville KY
(As part of the Portland Heritage Festival)
Go here for more information on Bernheim’s Free Play Days.