Ecology of Play

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A framework for play

Play is more than just fun

It’s where children grow, explore and connect. Ecology of Play helps create spaces that empower children and celebrate their potential — with something for every child to grow with.

Three core principles

The Ecology of Play framework is built on observation, diversity and resilience.

Observation

Noticing how the environment activates and supports a child’s inquiry.

Diversity

Ensuring there’s something for every child, sparking creativity through inclusion.

Resilience

Spaces that grow and adapt, just like the kids who play in them.

“What kids may have had in a whole forest, they’ve actually got in this small space.”

Jeff Davis · Principal & Executive Head, Hillcrest Christian College

Frequently asked questions

What is Ecology of Play?

Ecology of Play is a framework for creating play spaces that empower children and celebrate their potential, with something for every child to grow with. It is built on three core principles: observation, diversity and resilience.

What are the three principles of Ecology of Play?

The three core principles of Ecology of Play are observation, diversity and resilience. Observation means noticing how the environment activates and supports a child’s inquiry; diversity ensures there’s something for every child; and resilience is about spaces that grow and adapt, just like the kids who play in them.

Who created Ecology of Play?

Ecology of Play was created by Lukas Ritson, an internationally recognised play advocate, TEDx speaker, and the founder of Wearthy. He developed the philosophy through more than 200 playground projects.

Because when play thrives, so do children

Get in touch to ask about training and speaking, or to learn more about the framework.

A framework for play

Play is more than just fun

It’s where children grow, explore and connect. Ecology of Play helps create spaces that empower children and celebrate their potential — with something for every child to grow with.

Four children collaboratively build and explore a colourful landscape of blocks, fabric, plants and natural materials.

Three core principles

The Ecology of Play framework is built on observation, diversity and resilience.

A child uses a magnifying glass to look closely at a beetle beside a leaf and puddle.

Observation

Noticing how the environment activates and supports a child’s inquiry.

Four children, including a wheelchair user, create a shared pattern from natural materials and colourful shapes.

Diversity

Ensuring there’s something for every child, sparking creativity through inclusion.

Children co-create a fabric shelter and a curved block arch around a growing plant.

Resilience

Spaces that grow and adapt, just like the kids who play in them.

The ecology of play

Ecology of Play looks at play through three interconnected systems.

  • The inner system. Focusing on each child’s unique growth.

  • The microsystem. Where daily interactions with the environment shape experiences.

  • The outer system. Connecting play to culture, community and big-picture values.

A child at the centre of colourful nested circles is surrounded by people, plants, homes and community.

“What kids may have had in a whole forest, they’ve actually got in this small space.”

Jeff Davis · Principal & Executive Head, Hillcrest Christian College

Frequently asked questions

What is Ecology of Play?

Ecology of Play is a framework for creating play spaces that empower children and celebrate their potential, with something for every child to grow with. It is built on three core principles: observation, diversity and resilience.

What are the three principles of Ecology of Play?

The three core principles of Ecology of Play are observation, diversity and resilience. Observation means noticing how the environment activates and supports a child’s inquiry; diversity ensures there’s something for every child; and resilience is about spaces that grow and adapt, just like the kids who play in them.

Who created Ecology of Play?

Ecology of Play was created by Lukas Ritson, an internationally recognised play advocate, TEDx speaker, and the founder of Wearthy. He developed the philosophy through more than 200 playground projects.

Because when play thrives, so do children

Get in touch to ask about training and speaking, or to learn more about the framework.

Four children collaboratively build and explore a colourful landscape of blocks, fabric, plants and natural materials.

Play is more than just fun

It’s where children grow, explore and connect. Ecology of Play helps create spaces that empower children and celebrate their potential — with something for every child to grow with.

Because when play thrives, so do children

Get in touch to ask about training and speaking, or to learn more about the framework.

Three core principles

A child uses a magnifying glass to look closely at a beetle beside a leaf and puddle.

Observation

Noticing how the environment activates and supports a child’s inquiry.

Four children, including a wheelchair user, create a shared pattern from natural materials and colourful shapes.

Diversity

Ensuring there’s something for every child, sparking creativity through inclusion.

Children co-create a fabric shelter and a curved block arch around a growing plant.

Resilience

Spaces that grow and adapt, just like the kids who play in them.

A child at the centre of colourful nested circles is surrounded by people, plants, homes and community.

The ecology of play

Ecology of Play looks at play through three interconnected systems.

“What kids may have had in a whole forest, they’ve actually got in this small space.”

Jeff Davis · Principal & Executive Head, Hillcrest Christian College

Frequently asked questions

What is Ecology of Play?

Ecology of Play is a framework for creating play spaces that empower children and celebrate their potential, with something for every child to grow with. It is built on three core principles: observation, diversity and resilience.

What are the three principles of Ecology of Play?

The three core principles of Ecology of Play are observation, diversity and resilience. Observation means noticing how the environment activates and supports a child’s inquiry; diversity ensures there’s something for every child; and resilience is about spaces that grow and adapt, just like the kids who play in them.

Who created Ecology of Play?

Ecology of Play was created by Lukas Ritson, an internationally recognised play advocate, TEDx speaker, and the founder of Wearthy. He developed the philosophy through more than 200 playground projects.

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