This book examines children’s play in public city parks and playgrounds as they pursue their agendas for joy, healing, discovery, and democratic engagement.

It offers an understanding of relevant theory and approaches for strengthening public city parks and playgrounds as spaces for children’s healthy development and civic engagement. The book features an introduction, six diary interludes between chapters, and six chapters that examine critical dimensions of children’s play in public city parks and playgrounds. Each chapter features a discussion of relevant research and theory, as well as original research from the author’s observational visits to public parks and playgrounds, as well as interviews with scholars, parents, and park designers. The book also features over 30 photographs of parks and playgrounds to illustrate key aspects of design, children’s play, and civic engagement.

The book is intended for researchers in the fields of children’s play, city planning, public spaces, and children’s geographies, as well as educators, parents, and open space and children’s play advocates.