Play Streets
Play Streets are short, stewarded road closures that give children the freedom to play safely outside their own front doors - and give neighbours a chance to come together.
By temporarily closing your street to through traffic for a couple of hours, Play Streets create a safe, fun space where children can play and communities can connect. Parents and neighbours are present throughout, and cars belonging to residents can still have access if needed.
- Encourage children to be active, social, and imaginative through outdoor play.
- Help neighbours get to know one another and build stronger communities.
- Create safer, calmer streets where everyone can enjoy spending time outside.
- Support wellbeing and reduce social isolation for people of all ages.
Play Streets usually run once a month for 2–3 hours, but the exact times and frequency are up to each community. Residents volunteer as stewards to safely manage the road closure, and Talk Community can provide advice and support to get you started.
You don’t need special equipment - just a few neighbours willing to join in. Streets often see children chalking, skipping, scooting, cycling, or just running around, while adults enjoy a cup of tea and a chat.
The framework for Play Streets has been coordinated by Playing Out, a not-for-profit organisation set up by parents in Bristol, with the vision for all children across the UK to be able to play safely on the streets where they live.
For further assistance to organise a play street, visit the Playing Out website.
To host a Play Street, you need to apply in advance to our contractor using the application for a temporary road closure form and include the reason for the road closure.
Please give as much notice as possible. This will allow us to properly assess your application and coordinate your closure with any others.