The internet is a wealth of information about play and play resources. Sometimes overwhelming. So we’ve done the sleuthing and pulled together a short list of organizations every play advocating parent should know about:

KaBOOM: You may think of KaBOOM as just ‘the playground builder group’, but they’re a clearinghouse for all information play-related, too! Haven’t heard of KaBoom? They should be on every parents’ ‘must know’ list. KaBOOM! is a national non-profit whose mission is to create great playspaces through the participation and leadership of communities. Ultimately, we envision a place to play within walking distance of every child in America. Check out Why Play Matters and their Play Research page.

Ultimate Block Party: All about the art and science of play. The Ultimate Block Party aims to create a multi-pronged social movement that champions the importance of play and playful learning in children’s lives. They seek to ensure that all children are provided with competitive skills for the 21st century global world and to build a public groundswell about the value of play for fostering lifelong learning in the sciences and the arts. The organization has held groundbreaking events in New York City, Toronto — and this weekend they are in Baltimore. They have a GREAT resources page for parents.

Playworks: Playworks is a national nonprofit organization that supports learning by providing safe, healthy and inclusive play and physical activity to schools at recess and throughout the entire school day (Who can’t get on board with that?). Playworks believes that play is essential to child development and an invaluable tool for improving school climate. And quality recess and playtime also help children return to the classroom more focused and ready to learn. (We agree!)

What organizations would you add to the list?