Last weekend, Bernheim’s Children at Play Network had the pleasure of co-hosting the International Play Association USA Chapter’s annual Child’s Right to Play conference. Events and sessions took place throughout Louisville, including at the Kentucky Science Center, with a full day of activities hosted right here at Bernheim Forest. Attendees from across the United States and from countries such as Scotland, Brazil, and Canada experienced the wonder of Bernheim’s 17-acre nature playground, Playcosystem.
The IPA conference brings together professionals from a wide range of play-related fields, including early childhood education, higher education, academic research, filmmaking, and playground design. Participants explored Playcosystem and other areas of Bernheim, guided by our dedicated staff and volunteers. Outdoor sessions held throughout Playcosystem offered attendees a firsthand look at the phased approach to free play in nature that the Children at Play Network has developed to help connect children with the natural world.
Conference discussions covered a variety of topics related to the child’s right to play, including the effects of screen time on attention, incorporating a playful mindset in classrooms, cross-cultural play practices, and the value of risky play. Presentations, documentaries, and panel discussions all emphasized the importance of play, especially outdoor, unstructured play, in supporting children’s health, growth, and happiness.
Although the IPA Conference brought together professionals to share research and best practices, some of the most memorable moments came in between sessions. Laughter, curiosity, and connection filled the air, reflecting the spirit of play that Bernheim and the Children at Play Network strive to nurture in both children and adults.
