What does play in adulthood look like? At Pop-Up Adventure Play, we believe that play is not just for children – it’s a powerful, healing force for adults, too. Our Adult Play Course is a space for reflection, reconnection and rediscovery, especially for those working in education, care or playwork roles.
It can feel odd sometimes, to be an adult who talks about play so much. But advocating for play means saying yes: yes, it matters in schools. Yes, it strengthens communities. Yes, it is vital for the wellbeing of the earth. Play is, for us, nothing less than the opportunity to follow your own curiosity, in good company and feel like you’re truly living.
Why adults need play too
Our culture often treats play as childish or frivolous. Work and education are elevated, while relaxation, curiosity and creative exploration are dismissed. These values create barriers to play – not just for children, but for adults as well. And for people who support children—parents, educators, playworkers – play deprivation in adulthood becomes an invisible crisis.
What about our own needs for play? As noted over-thinker Hamlet said: there’s the rub.
We’ve spent years exploring this question. Through conversations about our own play, stories shared by other adults, and lessons learned from our own projects, we’ve seen the joy and transformation that adult play can bring. We’ve also run adult-only play sessions—for teachers, youth workers, and more—where people don colanders as hats, build marble runs out of cereal boxes, and laugh in blanket forts. Every time, the magic returns.
What Is Play in Your Life?
Past participants in the Adult Play Course often arrive with big questions and leave with new insights. Some explore personal fears and what helps them be brave. Others learn to recognise ‘play opportunities’ throughout their day—moments of joy that don’t rely on grand plans or perfect timing.
In today’s world, when everything feels like survival mode, it’s easy to delay or deny our own care. But that little voice inside—the one that says “slow down”, or dares to be silly—is vital. Play is a form of healing. It helps us reconnect with ourselves, find our spark, and imagine new possibilities.
About the Adult Play Course
This course offers a short, accessible series of reflective group sessions for adults. We discuss lived experience, introduce relevant research and theory, and create space for deep listening and shared exploration. You don’t have to have all the answers—just curiosity and openness. Each session is a chance to practice small changes in your life, reflect on the experience, and feel heard by a supportive community.
Removing Barriers to Access
We want this course to be available to everyone. No one is ever turned away for lack of funds. If time zones, internet access, or other factors are a concern, please contact us and we’ll work together to find a solution.
Reclaiming Joy, Together
Many of us are starved for joy and play in our adult lives. This scarcity makes it even harder to support others as playworkers, educators, or parents. Your play matters too. Are you ready to give yourself permission to reconnect with that playful voice inside? To ask for help when needed? To explore without pressure?
Join us in the Adult Play Course—and rediscover what play means for you. Let’s see what’s possible, together.
By Morgan
