Orterra: Let’s Rethink School Spaces: Why Teenagers Need Places to Play

July 1, 2025

As educators, you work hard to support your students’ learning, well-being, and social growth. But here’s something we don’t talk about enough – play. We know how important it is for young children, but what about teenagers?

High schools are full of classrooms, hallways, and sports fields, but there’s often nowhere just to be – to move, unwind, or connect without the pressure of competition. Research shows that play is just as valuable for teenagers as it is for little kids, yet most schools don’t offer spaces designed for it. It’s time to change that.

Why Play Still Matters in High School

A Break from Stress
Between schoolwork, social pressures, and everything else life throws at them, teenagers need an outlet. Play helps with stress relief, focus, and mental well-being.
Stronger Social Connections
Not every student thrives in structured activities. Playful spaces give them a low-pressure way to connect, collaborate, and just have fun, which is just as important as academics.
Creativity & Problem-Solving
Play isn’t just about movement; it’s about exploration. Whether it’s interactive elements, group challenges, or flexible spaces to experiment, play helps teens build confidence in their ideas and abilities.
Encouraging Movement (Without the Pressure of Sports)
Not every teenager is into organized sports, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to move. Fun, engaging spaces such as parkour zones or climbing structures offer ways to stay active without the competition.
A Space to Be Themselves
Adolescence is all about figuring out who you are. Play allows for self-expression, taking risks, and building confidence without judgment.

Rethinking High School Spaces

What if high schools had areas where students could move, connect, and recharge just because they wanted to? Places that weren’t just for structured activities but for everyday movement and creativity?

We believe schools should be more than classrooms and hallways. They should have spaces where teenagers can thrive physically, socially, and emotionally. Let’s start designing teenage spaces with play in mind.