Mike Lanza

Playborhood is a resource and advocacy platform centered on helping families create neighborhoods where children can enjoy more free, self-directed outdoor play. Inspired by Mike Lanza’s book Playborhood: Turn Your Neighborhood Into a Place for Play, the site shares stories of communities across the United States and Canada that have built lively, welcoming play cultures for children. It presents practical, step-by-step ideas for changing family and neighborhood routines, bringing people together, and making shared outdoor spaces more inviting for play.

The book and website emphasize that supporting children’s play is not only an individual family’s responsibility: parents and neighbors can work together to create opportunities for children to explore, imagine, and play close to home. Playborhood also features praise from authors, researchers, and community advocates who highlight the importance of unstructured play for children’s well-being and the value of stronger neighborhood connections. Visitors can learn about the author, read the blog, purchase the book, find information about “The Sign,” and contact the site