Children in K–5th grade of all abilities are welcome. Our camp is designed with a focus on children with varying abilities, but we also welcome typically developing children in our inclusive environment.

Unstructured Play Environment

Our popup adventure playgrounds are designed to encourage unstructured, open-ended play. Children have the freedom to explore, create, and imagine without predetermined rules or limitations. Expect to see your child engage in imaginative play, construct their own play scenarios, and follow their natural curiosity.

Abundance of Loose Parts

Our popup adventure playgrounds are stocked with a variety of loose parts and materials, such as cardboard boxes, fabric, tires, and natural elements. These loose parts serve as building blocks for children's creativity and innovation. Parents can expect to see their children utilize these materials to construct forts, create art, build structures, and more.

Mixed Age Interactions

Popup adventure playgrounds often attract children of various ages, providing opportunities for mixed-age interactions. Parents can expect their children to engage with peers of different ages, fostering social growth, mentorship, and collaboration. Younger children learn from older peers, while older children develop leadership skills and empathy.

Supervision and Safety

Our team of dedicated staff and volunteers ensures a safe and inclusive play environment. While parents are encouraged to actively observe their children in play, there will be trained professionals present to supervise the play area, offer guidance and assist when needed. We prioritize safety while still allowing children to engage in age-appropriate risks and challenges.

Community Connection

Popup adventure playgrounds are not just about play; they are also opportunities for families to connect with their community. Parents can expect to meet other like-minded families, share experiences, and build relationships while their children engage in joyful play. It's a chance to create lasting memories and forge new friendships.

Information and Resources

At our pop-up adventure playground events, parents can find information and resources related to the benefits of play, child development, and fostering open-ended play experiences at home. We strive to provide parents with valuable insights and tools to support their child's play journey beyond the event.

Rooted in Play's popup adventure playgrounds offer a delightful and enriching play experience for children. Parents can expect their children to engage in imaginative play, connect with peers of different ages, and develop essential skills in an enriching environment. Join us at our next popup adventure playground and witness the magic of play firsthand!

No! Every Child Plays camp is completely free, thanks to funding from the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.

Each day at Every Child Plays follows a predictable routine that provides comfort and consistency while allowing for flexibility and child-led exploration. Children will spend their time engaged in open-ended, creative play using loose parts, sensory materials, and collaborative activities.

Our trained playworkers will be present throughout the day to observe, support, and enrich play experiences, ensuring that every child feels empowered to explore, create, and connect. Speech and occupational therapists will also be available to make specific recommendations and accommodations as needed, helping to ensure all children can fully participate and thrive.

While there won’t be rigid schedules or teacher-led lessons, the day will include a balance of active play, social interaction, and opportunities for quiet exploration, all within a thoughtfully designed, inclusive environment.

We provide all materials, lunch, and snacks, so there’s no need to bring anything! However, we recommend dressing your child in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor play. And, comfort items are welcome.

We provide nutritious meals and snacks each day. While we do our best to offer a variety of options, we are not able to accommodate specialized meals. If your child has specific dietary restrictions or preferences, you are welcome to pack their lunch and snacks to ensure they have food that meets their needs. Please note any allergies on the application form so we can be mindful of food safety during camp.

Camp is not a therapeutic environment, and therapy sessions may not be held during camp hours.

That said, we do welcome children with a wide range of support needs. If a child requires dedicated support personnel (such as an aide or support professional) in order to fully participate in camp, families are welcome to arrange that support. Any support person must follow camp expectations and facilitate the child’s participation without directing or altering the play experience. For safety and security reasons, all support personnel must submit required documentation in advance, including a valid photo ID and a current Level II background check.

A playworker is a trained professional who plays a crucial role in creating and facilitating the play experience at a pop-up adventure playground. Their primary focus is to support children's play by providing a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment. Here's more about the role of a playworker at a pop-up adventure playground:

Empowering Child-Led Play

Playworkers believe in the importance of child-led play. They create an environment that allows children to take the lead, make decisions, and explore their interests freely. Playworkers recognize the value of open-ended play experiences, where children have the autonomy to create and shape their play scenarios.

Safety and Risk Management

Ensuring the safety of all participants is a vital responsibility of playworkers. They create a safe play environment by assessing potential risks, setting appropriate boundaries, and managing any potential hazards. Playworkers strike a balance between allowing children to engage in age-appropriate risks and challenges while maintaining a secure play environment.

Supporting Inclusion and Collaboration

Playworkers promote inclusive play experiences, ensuring that children of all abilities and backgrounds feel welcome and supported. They create an environment that encourages cooperation, collaboration, and positive social interactions among children. Playworkers facilitate opportunities for mixed-age play, peer learning, and cooperation, fostering a sense of community and empathy among participants.

Observation and Assessment

Playworkers observe children's play to gain insights into their needs, interests, and developmental progress. By observing and assessing children's play patterns and interactions, playworkers can adapt and tailor the play environment to better support children's individual and collective play experiences.

Resource and Activity Support

Playworkers provide a variety of loose parts, materials, and resources to inspire children's play and creativity. Playworkers also share information and resources with parents and caregivers on the benefits of play, open-ended play at home, and child development.

At Rooted in Play's popup adventure playgrounds, playworkers play a vital role in facilitating a rich and engaging play experience for children. Their expertise in play facilitation, safety management, inclusion, and child development creates an environment where children can thrive, explore, and create unforgettable play memories.