Above: Playbox 001
If you have ideas about what would make these wards funner, share them with us!
You can do this on line here or better still in person with Artist Hilary Cox Condron. She’ll be at the Community Room in Abbey on Wednesdays starting 11 November 2-3pm with nice cake and hot drinks.
The Community Room
The Galfrid Primary School School
Galfrid Road
Cambridge
CB5 8ND
11, 18, 25 November and 2, 9 December 2026
2-3pm
FREE, no booking required
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We’ve been playing out with the good folk of Cambridge at all sorts of different events.
Lots of people, of all ages, joined us as we played out on piazzas and in parks. Everyone joyfully got involved creating their own Play Agent secret disguises and making a playful zone with lots of fun materials. To all who came — thank you for making it so memorable and being part of this celebration of play in Cambridge!
We’ve created a photo gallery that captures all the fun and frolics experienced on the days. See if you can spot yourself, friends or family in the photos.
‘Memory Lane Cambridge’
by Mike Petty and published by Cambridge Evening News 1999
Playing out has changed dramatically over the last 50 years. A survey by the National Trust in 2012 noted that children’s freedom to roam had declined by almost 90% since the 1970s.
We’d love to hear your memories of playing out when you were a child (no matter how old you are now) so we can track how experiences of play have changed over the years. Click the button below and select the ‘Memories of Play’ option to to log your memories on our interactive Cambridge Play Map.
What would the ultimate play experience look like for you? If money and time (or indeed gravity) were no issue what would sort of play would you want in Cambridge?
If you’re looking for inspiration, then go read ‘Ruby Nettleship and the Ice Lolly Adventure’ by Thomas Docherty. Ruby wants a place to play so she plants her ice lolly stick in the ground and a fantastical playground emerges from her imagination…
To share your playful imaginings no matter how big or small, click the button below and select the ‘Fanciful Play Ideas’ option to add to our interactive Cambridge Play Map.
If you want to reconnect with your playful self or you’re passionate about play in public spaces, then why not become a Play Agent?
Text your made Up Play Agent Name and first 4 digits of your postcode to 07445 196045 to start your initiation as a Play Agent.
Play Agents are local people who are up for adventures and challenges set by us and other agents.
Click the button below to see all the Play Agents in the Cambridge area.
