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.

Mike Lanza, author of Playborhood, champions the revival of outdoor play for children, sharing insights from his journey into community-driven play initiatives. He discusses the decline of unsupervised play and its impact on childhood development, arguing that merely limiting screens isn’t enough. Lanza emphasizes the need for a supportive neighborhood environment to create a 'critical mass' of children playing outside. He also highlights the importance of 'third places' and practical strategies for parents to foster inviting outdoor spaces that encourage healthy, independent play.