Outdoor Play Week
3-7 November 2025
You're invited to Playcentre Outdoor Play Week!
During Outdoor Play Week (3–7 November), our centres across Aotearoa will be open for whānau with tamariki aged 0–6 to come and experience the magic of outdoor play.
We offer a wide range of outdoor play activities designed to support child-led learning and development. From messy play and nature-based exploration to climbing, gardening, and building, our centres provide safe, engaging environments where children thrive.
Everyone is welcome! Mums, dads, grandparents, aunties, uncles, and caregivers are welcome to attend with your tamariki.
Visits are free, and we encourage you to try out all your local centres to find the best fit for your whānau.
Book your visit
Once you find your local centre, check their open days and book your visit. Spaces are limited, so please get in touch first.
Can’t make it during Outdor Play Week? No worries! You’re welcome to visit any time. Every Playcentre offers three visits before you need to enrol.
Outdoor play is essential for early childhood development
The Ministry of Health’s physical activity guidelines for under-fives highlight the importance of play in helping young children stay active and develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively.
According to Sport New Zealand’s principles of play, tamariki need access to enriched and varied play experiences – both man-made and natural – that involve movement, sensory exploration, and imaginative escape.
Outdoor play supports tamariki in many ways:
- Helps develops fundamental movement skills
- Encourages self-directed creativity and innovation
- Improves social and emotional connection
- Deepens understanding of their relationship with the physical environment
- Aids better decision-making based around elements of challenge and risk.
Why Playcentre?
Why Playcentre?
We are unique! Whānau attend with their tamariki to play, learn and grow together. The emphasis is always on child-initiated, exploratory play in a safe and supportive environment.
We cater for tamariki aged 0-6 and are licensed early childhood education (ECE) services. With a high adult-to-child ratio (at least 1:5), tamariki enjoy a tailored programme and regular excursions into the community to support their learning.
Find out the benefits of Playcentre