Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark

How To Get Kids Playing Outside | Playborhood Author Mike Lanza

May 9, 2025
Guest
Mike Lanza
Mike Lanza, author of Playborhood and advocate for unstructured play, shares his journey of transforming his yard into a kid-friendly paradise. He discusses the troubling decline of outdoor play due to screens and over-scheduling, emphasizing the need for vibrant community spaces. Mike advocates for children’s independence and encourages parents to rethink safety surrounding outdoor play. He passionately argues for allowing messy, real playtime, citing success stories from around the globe that promote healthier childhood experiences.
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INSIGHT

Neighborhood Boredom Limits Play

  • Today's neighborhoods are often too boring to compete with screen-based entertainment for kids.
  • Making neighborhoods fun and compelling can attract kids outside to engage in play and social interaction.
ADVICE

Walk to Build Neighborhood Safety

  • Walk or ride bikes with your kids to familiarize them with the neighborhood.
  • This builds comfort, safety, and creates social connections that make outside play inviting.
ANECDOTE

Scheduling Conflicts Spark Action

  • Mike witnessed a friend's son frustrated by over-scheduling and arguing about playdates.
  • He decided to create a fun neighborhood environment for his own kids to reclaim free play.
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