Above: Playbox 001

Come Play!

In order to make the playlaws, we are collecting playful memories, imaginings and activities of people in Cambridge. We’d like you to get involved and you can do this is a number of ways.

Play out with Playbox

Playbox is a 20ft shipping container that will be coming to five locations during the summer 2023.

Why not join us as we play out on piazzas and in parks? You can create your own Play Agent secret disguise and make a playful zone with lots of fun materials. All activities are FREE, no booking required. We’ll be there 11am-4pm on the days and locations listed below. Look forward to seeing you!

If you would like Playbox to come to your neighbourhood then tell us where you would like it to go and why you want it!  Please note that it can only travel to locations within the section 106 zone* and that the proposed site must be able to accommodate a crane lorry and have no overhead wires or trees.

Our Section 106 zone is a boundary which takes the form of a 2km diameter circle emanating from Warren Close near to the railway station. For more information about Cambridge’s approach to Public Art and S106 read on.

Become a Play Agent

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?

Play Agents are local people who are up for adventures and challenges set by us and other agents. To find out more, click here (link to Play Agents Directory).

Become a Play Agent

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? Play Agents are local people who are up for adventures and challenges set by us and other agents.

To find out more

Text your made up Play Agent Name and the first 4 digits of your postcode to 07445 196045 to start your initiation as a Play Agent

Monsoon day 1970

‘Memory Lane Cambridge’
by Mike Petty and published by Cambridge Evening News 1999

Share your Playful Memories

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.

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Inspire with your fanciful play ideas for Cambridge

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.