Programming for families with young children in public spaces

Idea for Action Summary

Designing public spaces that can serve as venues for regular, frequent family-focused events builds community, strengthens social support networks for caregivers, and allows health, education, social services and culture agencies to reach out directly to parents with parent coaching activities.

Including communities in the design and management of these events draws in more participants and increases the likelihood of local ownership and long-term sustainability.

Pop-up play can easily be combined with street closures or other gatherings that are not specifically family oriented. Mobile containers of books, toys and games for small children, along with movable benches and chairs, can be towed by a bicycle or car. Pop-up interventions are an efficient way to test ideas for permanent infrastructure and assess their behavioural impact.