When we talk about giving kids the tools they need to succeed in STEM—science, technology, engineering, and math—we often think about laptops, lab kits, or access to advanced classes. But one of the most powerful tools we can give them isn’t something you can buy. It’s time and space to play.
That’s where the idea of play equity comes in.
Play equity means making sure all children—regardless of their race, zip code, or family income—have access to safe, enriching, and joyful play experiences. And yes, that includes access to free time, recess, outdoor exploration, and hands-on, curiosity-driven activities that help them make sense of the world.
Why does this matter for STEM? Because play isn’t separate from learning—it’s the foundation of it. Through play, kids ask questions, test ideas, make observations, and build the mental flexibility they need to tackle complex problems. That’s the heart of STEM thinking.
Unfortunately, not all kids have equal access to these kinds of experiences. In many under-resourced communities, safe outdoor spaces are limited. Schools in underserved communities often face budget cuts that reduce recess, arts programs, and unstructured exploration time.
That’s why play equity is a STEM issue.
At Harlem STEM Up, we believe that every child deserves the freedom to explore, create, and imagine—and that play is not a luxury. It’s a right. When kids are allowed to play, they learn to take risks, learn from failure, collaborate, and solve problems in real time.
What can families do to support play and STEM thinking this summer?
- Create time for play every day—even if it’s just 30 minutes of unstructured time.
- Visit local parks, libraries, and museums (many have free days or low-cost options).
- Try hands-on activities at home using resources like STEAM Powered Family and NISE Net’s Outside Toolkit.
- Make room for rest. Sleep and quiet time are also part of the learning process.
Let’s commit to giving our kids time to wonder, to build, to imagine, and to play. Because STEM doesn’t start in the lab—it starts on the playground, in the park, and on the living room floor.
