Risky Play
Let kids climb higher, jump further, and get a little muddy! Risky play is one of the most powerful ingredients in a child's development — and the evidence backs it up.
From scrambling up trees to navigating rough terrain, risky play lets children test their limits, build resilience, and figure out how the world works — all while having an absolute blast. It's not about ignoring safety; it's about embracing the kind of challenge that helps kids grow into confident, capable humans.
Play Australia is passionate about supporting educators, families, and communities to create spaces and opportunities where children can experience the thrill of risky play every single day.
A Risky Play Position Statement for Young Australian Children.
Play Australia's Position Statement on Risky Play for young children "Thriving with Play " sets out our commitment to advocating for children's right to experience meaningful challenge and adventure. It outlines the evidence base, our guiding principles, and what we believe best practice looks like for early childhood settings, schools, and community spaces.
Read the full position statement here: PA_RiskyPlayPositionStatement_web.pdf
Risky Play Fact Sheets
A suite of practical Risky Play Fact Sheets just for you! These easy-to-use resources will help educators, families, and community groups understand, plan for, and champion play in everyday settings.
A Position Statement on Play for 9–15 Year Olds
🚧 COMING on AUGUST 11
A dedicated Position Statement on Risky Play for children and young people aged 9–15 years old, "Growing Through Risk: Supporting Play and Wellbeing from 9-15 years”.
This resource recognises the unique developmental needs of children 9115 years and advocates for age-appropriate challenge, independence, and adventurous play.
Launch is online - check out our events calenedar to register.
This project is supported by the Victorian State Government through Sport and Recreation Victoria’s outdoor sector development funding.
Risky Play Webinars
Want to go deeper? Our recorded Risky Play webinars are available on the Play Australia Online Learning Portal. Hear from experts, practitioners, and advocates who are championing play across Australia — and pick up practical strategies you can use straight away.
Access a selection of recorded webinars here:
https://play-australia.thinkific.com/courses/TheRiskyPlayPositionStatement
https://play-australia.thinkific.com/courses/preparing%20-children-to-become-risk-technicians