Let’s Talk Loose Parts Play

The natural world is full with loose parts!

When I was younger, we’d play kitchen outside by smashing up berries, mud, and grass and mixing it all together. Then, we’d set our rock table with big green leaves and puffy snowball-like hydrangeas. We’d imagine we were at a fancy restaurant, say “excusez-moi” as if we were French, and laugh the afternoon away.

In the same afternoon, we’d use sticks as scythes and knock down tall grasses before building our fort out of the logs and sticks we’d find in the surrounding area. In the outside world, anything can become a loose part. Anything can be used to craft a playful world for yourself, and for others!

What is Loose Parts Play, and Why is it Beneficial?

Loose parts places the power in the hands of the player. When using loose parts, individuals build a world of their own, leverage their imaginations to fill in gaps and collaborate with those around them to invent together. It’s sort of like the Stone Soup story: everyone brings a bit of something to the table, and when it’s all said and done, there’s a beautiful feast for the imagination waiting in the mud and muck.

Don’t forget to attend the “IPA-USA National Day of Loose Parts Play” event on Saturday, September 16. (Scan the QR code for more information).

If you love getting outside and exploring nature, check out these Park Activities from our partners at Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy. There are many ways of exploring nature and creating something along the way.

How can you use loose parts to tell a story? Can you use them to create a picture? The world is yours with loose parts play!

Loose Parts Play Resources

• [WATCH] Rusty's Backyard - Loose Parts, Rusty Keeler YouTube

• “Loose Parts” in Children’s Outdoor Play Environments Resources, International Journal of Early Childhood Environmental Education

• Playful Possibilities: Simple Cardboard Box More Than it Seems to Young Learners, Omaha Wolrd-Herald

• Loose Parts Play in Preschool: A Guide for Educators and Parents, brightwheel

• When Kids Like the Box More Than the Toy: The Benefits of Playing with Everyday Objects, The Conversation

Join us for an International Day of Play!

Save the date and mark your calendars for a special, pop-up play day on September 16, 2023!

Autumn is about to kick off, which means school is back in session, the sun sinks below the horizon sooner, and the leaves begin transforming before our eyes. But just because so many things are changing doesn’t mean that the importance of play or being playful has shifted. The transformative power of play can benefit anyone at any age, all year long.

Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative is teaming up with local organizations like Child in Mind Consulting, Lion of Judah Enterprises, City Squeakers, and Kaleidoscope Pittsburgh as well as the national Organization IPA-USA, to bring a memorable play day to Lytle Land on Saturday, September 16, 2023.

IPA-USA is the United States chapter of the International Play Association. The International Play Association supported the Declaration of the Rights of the Child and was formed in 1961 in Denmark. IPA-USA was formed in 1973 in Philadelphia. However, the United States has still not ratified this declaration. Playful Pittsburgh Collaborative supports Article 31 and the Child’s Right to Play. We are excited to be part of the first annual play day, and we look forward to continuing to advocate for play, its importance, and the ways it benefits the livelihood of children and adults. 

During this event, you will be able to participate in loose parts play activities for people of all ages. Loose parts can unlock creativity and help us explore new ways of seeing and thinking about the world around us. Loose parts are great for developing motor skills and gaining spatial awareness. With loose parts play, there is no set list of rules, and the possibilities of imagining are nearly endless. Our community partners are bringing something fun and engaging that you will surely love. 

On top of loose parts play activities from community partners, there’s a Kaboom! playground on-site at Lytle Land with equipment like a slide, a tunnel teeter-totter, and a log walk.

There are fun opportunities for the whole family at this event to celebrate play! Can’t wait to see you there!

Event Details: IPA-USA National Day of Loose Parts Play

When: Saturday, 9/16 | 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Where: Lytle Land Park, 5113 Lytle Street, Pittsburgh, Pa. 15207 (Hazelwood)

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. We know you’ll leave the play day feeling inspired and creative, so the fun can continue wherever your family travels! Loose parts are all around us!

Don’t miss this celebration of play from perspectives around the world!