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Welcome to
You have now entered a place for childhood
Here, it’s real, messy, curious, and full of wonder. At the Play Lab, we honor the innate genius every child carries and make space — intentionally and unapologetically — for their full humanity. This work exists because of people like you; click below to donate and help children’s joy and creativity flourish.
Our Motto:
If it's a risk, we're gonna take it!
If it's an outdated rule that doesn't serve us...well, we're gonna break it!
If it's a relationship, we're gonna make it!
We run, climb, jump, roll, splash, and challenge ourselves — always with care and intention. Risk looks different at every stage: toddlers test their balance and reach, preschoolers tackle taller climbs and bigger jumps, and older children push their thinking, coordination, and problem-solving in more complex ways.
At the Play Lab, childre
We run, climb, jump, roll, splash, and challenge ourselves — always with care and intention. Risk looks different at every stage: toddlers test their balance and reach, preschoolers tackle taller climbs and bigger jumps, and older children push their thinking, coordination, and problem-solving in more complex ways.
At the Play Lab, children gain the education that can’t be taught from a book: the lessons that come from experience, trial, and discovery. Through these risks, they learn not just what their bodies can do, but who they are, how they move in the world, and how to navigate challenges with confidence and curiosity.
If it's a relationship, we're gonna make it!
If it's an outdated rule that doesn't serve us...well, we're gonna break it!
If it's a relationship, we're gonna make it!
Becoming for children means showing up in ways that help them grow into capable, curious, and connected humans. It’s about building relationships, stretching frustration tolerance, learning to negotiate, and practicing how to be in relationship with others.
Much of early childhood culture focuses on “stranger danger,” which may come from a
Becoming for children means showing up in ways that help them grow into capable, curious, and connected humans. It’s about building relationships, stretching frustration tolerance, learning to negotiate, and practicing how to be in relationship with others.
Much of early childhood culture focuses on “stranger danger,” which may come from a place of safety — but often it reflects adult fears more than children’s needs. At the Play Lab, children meet the helpers in our Village, develop familiarity and trust, and discover that most people in the world are here to assist rather than harm. Through these experiences, they learn not just who to trust, but how to show up in relationships themselves — confident, thoughtful, and connected.
If it's an outdated rule that doesn't serve us...well, we're gonna break it!
If it's an outdated rule that doesn't serve us...well, we're gonna break it!
If it's an outdated rule that doesn't serve us...well, we're gonna break it!
Being child-affirming means creating spaces where every child — differently abled, neurodivergent, brilliant, or from queer families — is seen, valued, and celebrated for exactly who they are. It means questioning rules and routines that limit curiosity, expression, or agency, and replacing them with practices that honor individuality and
Being child-affirming means creating spaces where every child — differently abled, neurodivergent, brilliant, or from queer families — is seen, valued, and celebrated for exactly who they are. It means questioning rules and routines that limit curiosity, expression, or agency, and replacing them with practices that honor individuality and choice.
In these spaces, children learn to trust themselves, explore their strengths, and experiment with new ways of being. Their learning is guided by their interests, ideas, and identities, not by rigid expectations. Here, rules exist to support growth, not to confine it, and every child experiences the freedom to show up fully, authentically, and brilliantly.
Celebrating The Play Lab's Impact
The Play Lab makes the front page!
I’m deeply honored to be a contributing author—and thrilled to see The Play Lab’s work front and center! The Issue focuses on Protecting Play and features wonderful articles from:
- Heather Bernt-Santy
- Mike Huber
and much more! The winter edition is
out now, both online and in print, so don’t miss it!
Fall at the Play Lab
In fall, nature does the teaching
This season turns nature into a science lab — our young explorers are testing, sorting, and transforming acorns, pinecones, and more as they investigate the wonders of fall
November's Focus:
protecting what's at stake
Every week, a closer look at what we protect for children.
EVERYONE DESERVES A TURN
Week 1
This week, we’re focusing on fairness and access. Children are exploring what it means to have a voice, a place, and the resources they need to fully participate. Through play and guided experiences, they’re noticing who gets to show up, who has what they need, and how we can create spaces where everyone is included.
YOU BELONG HERE
Week 2
The following week, the focus is on connection and belonging. Children are exploring what makes a space feel safe, welcoming, and meaningful. They’re noticing how relationships, recognition, and inclusion shape the way we feel as part of a group, and how each child contributes to the larger community.
BECOMING THE HELPERS
Week 3
As we round out our month, we’ll be centering care and stability. Children are noticing the people, routines, and actions that help them feel steady and supported. Through collaborative play and reflection, they’re learning how to offer help, receive support, and understand the role of consistent care in keeping themselves and others safe.
MY CHOICES MATTER
Week 4
As we conclude our month, we’ll be focusing on joy and autonomy. Children are exploring how their choices shape their experiences, spark curiosity, and bring joy. They are practicing decision-making, following their interests, and celebrating the freedom to express themselves — while noticing how autonomy supports both personal growth and connection with others.
friends-giving 2025
Friendsgiving didn’t look quite like it usually does this year. In true 2025 fashion, things were a little wonky, a little unexpected, and very much on theme. But we gathered, we adjusted, and we’re grateful that everyone is healthy, cared for, and doing well.
photo of the month
What a joy it was to have our ECE friend, Lauren, join us with her daughter all the way from California. There’s nothing like being in the company of children alongside someone who truly recognizes what a gift it is to witness them.
October's Focus:
MAGIC, MEMORY, & ME
Every week, a closer look at what we protect for children.
big body Magic
Week 1
We’re prioritizing big body play—jumping, climbing, spinning, and moving with power and purpose. Through movement, children are exploring their strength, confidence, and connection to each other.
nature in motion
Week 2
Using flowers, leaves, pinecones, and other natural treasures, we’re discovering how materials shift, change, and come alive in new forms. It’s all about seeing possibility and beauty in transformation.
illuminated play
Week 3
This week, we explored the glow and color that light brings into our world. From battery-operated candles to fairy lights and Halloween strands, the Play Lab was filled with warmth and shimmer. On our light board, we experimented with new translucent materials—generously gifted to us—and watched as colors danced, blended, and transformed before our eyes. Each flicker invited curiosity, collaboration, and quiet moments of awe.
play lab potluck
Week 4
Last week, many of our friends (myself included) were down with the ick. We’ll use this extra week in the month to slow down, catch up, and tend to all the little things that got set aside in the shuffle.
WE'VE GOT SPIRIT, HOW 'BOUT YOU?
Week 5
We’ll wrap up the month with Spirit Week—I can’t wait to see the magic unfold and swap this Trunk or Treat placeholder for a brand-new memory!
photo of the month
There was no limit to the fantastic shots captured this month, but unbridled joy always reigns supreme! This semi-fuzzy action shot perfectly captures all the wonder and excitement that Halloween brought to our oldest Explorer!
Weird Science
what do you do with a jack-o-lantern after halloween?
Well, you watch it decompose, of course!
The tricks are packed away and the last treats have been doled out, but our crew is holding onto one pumpkin to watch it break down and see nature’s recycling magic in action.
Identity
who am I?
Week 1
We explored facial features, body appreciation, and recognition, celebrating what makes each child unique.
how do I see myself?
Week 2
Children reflected on feelings, strengths, and personal interests.
what am i interested in?
Week 3
Next week, We’ll be looking at roles, relationships, and the individual genius (spark) that makes every crew member invaluable.
how do I fit in to the community?
Week 4
Next week, We’ll be looking at roles, relationships, and the individual genius (spark) that makes every crew member invaluable.
Becoming Together
Around the tables, paint, laughter, and imagination spilled over in every direction. With Ms. Danie beside them, the crew explored color, texture, and togetherness. In the act of creating, we found connection—between ideas, between hands, between hearts.
picture of the month
Our little Ranger beams with joy as she becomes a newly minted library card holder during Play Lab's curriculum night
A Look Inside the Lab
Making identity visible
At the Play Lab, we select books that help children see themselves reflected in the world. When children recognize their own identities in the stories they read, they feel seen, heard, valued, and celebrated — a vital first step in honoring their full humanity.
what our Liberated learners our up to
Big Adventures in small hands
Big Adventures in small hands
Big Adventures in small hands
One of our older explorers rides a balance bike down a hill of mulch, wind in their hair and focus in every muscle. Risks, challenges, and discovery happen naturally here — led by curiosity, not schedules. Every hill climbed, every stick lifted, every turn taken is a chance for the children to learn on their own terms.
Messy, joyful learning
Big Adventures in small hands
Big Adventures in small hands
Candid shots from a summer color party. There’s no script required — just bodies moving freely, ideas taking shape in real time, and joy that refuses to be contained. The mess is proof that the learning is theirs, not ours to control.
belonging in action
Big Adventures in small hands
belonging in action
A younger explorer kneels in a lawn of tiny blue crocuses, fingers brushing petals as curiosity leads the way. Here, belonging isn’t taught — it’s lived. Every child is seen, valued, and free to engage with the world at their own pace, knowing they are an essential part of our community.
December's Focus:
slow, Steady, Sacred
Your snapshot of the play, practice, and purpose shaping our month.
navigating winter gear
Week 1
This week, we’re focusing on navigating winter gear. With Chicago’s snowstorms swirling outside, children are figuring out how to dress themselves for the cold — layering coats, zipping jackets, wrangling mittens, and stepping into boots. Through practice, play, and a little trial and error, they’re discovering what it feels like to move freely, stay warm, and tackle the outdoors on their own terms.
Life & Care
Week 2
Next, we’re focusing on taking care of living things. Children are exploring what it means to care for creatures big and small — noticing, observing, and responding to the needs of our fish, plants, and themselves. Through curiosity, gentle practice, and shared responsibility, they’re learning that caring is an action, a rhythm, and a way of being in the world that keeps both others and themselves thriving.
Approaching 1000 hours of outdoor learning
Week 3
As we wrap up 2025, I’m hoping to celebrate a big milestone: 1,000 hours outside. Even with rough weather and snow on the ground, children are moving, exploring, and playing with the confidence that comes from being in nature every day.
Moments That Matter
This month, with a shorter calendar, we’re focusing on quality time. Children are cooking, baking, and playing games together, savoring the simple joy of being with one another. Even in just a few weeks, these shared moments are about connection, laughter, and the delight of showing up fully for each other.
Celebrating Together
All month long, the children will be taking in the stories, rituals, and moments that bring us together. Through shared activities, familiar practices, and the rhythms of the season, they’re experiencing the joy of belonging, the comfort of connection, and the warmth of being part of a community that values togetherness.
photo of the month
As we put a bow on December, the photo of the month is still a mystery. I’m excited to see what moments emerge — the laughter, the play, the quiet connections — that capture the heart of our month. Whatever it turns out to be, it will reflect the joy, curiosity, and togetherness that fills our days.
January's Focus:
holding the line
Maintaining routines, rituals, and relationships
Settling In Through Play
Week 1
We’ll see how children use play to explore, regulate, and feel safe. Sensory experiences give them space to experiment, repeat, and discover while building trust and comfort in their environment.
tRUST GROWS FROM CONSISTENCY
Week 2
We’ll notice how consistency and routine create a sense of safety. When children know what to expect, transitions become smoother and confidence grows.
Connection in Community
Week 3
We’ll discover how collaboration emerges when children engage with shared materials. Conversations spark, ideas are exchanged, and relationships deepen through co-creation and play.
Moments That Matter
We’ll watch the culture of the group blossom. Whether building, exploring, or creating side by side, children’s confidence, cooperation, and sense of belonging shine through.
catch us outside!
We wrapped up the year at 998.5 hours outside—so close to the big 1,000! In the spirit of holding the line, we’re not stopping now. We’re keeping the clock rolling and continuing to spend as much time outside as possible, exploring, playing, and soaking up every bit of fresh air and adventure along the way. Here’s to another year of outdoor fun!
photo of the month
All month long, the children will be taking in the stories, rituals, and moments that bring us together. Through shared activities, familiar practices, and the rhythms of the season, they’re experiencing the joy of belonging, the comfort of connection, and the warmth of being part of a community that values togetherness.