PLAY LABS
PLAY LABS
An Extended Program by Mindful Play Learning
Play Labs are play-based mindfulness experiences designed for kids, tweens, and teens (ages 6–18). Rooted in the philosophy of Mindful Play Learning, Play Labs extend our approach to mindful movement, creativity, and emotional wellness beyond early childhood, through developmentally responsive, experiential sessions for older youth.
While Mindful Play Learning remains grounded in early learning, Play Labs offer intentional opportunities for children and youth to continue engaging with mindfulness and play as they grow.
What Are Play Labs?
Play Labs are standalone, age-responsive experiences that blend movement, mindfulness, creativity, and play to support social-emotional learning (SEL), self-regulation, and whole-child wellness.
Each Play Lab is facilitated using developmentally appropriate language, pacing, music, and activities, meeting participants where they are, whether they are kids, tweens, or teens.
Play Labs are experiential and enrichment-based. They are not curriculum-based extensions of our early learner program.
Who Play Labs Are For
Play Labs are designed for organizations and spaces that support older youth, including:
SCHOOL DISTRICTS
YOUTH PROGRAMS
LIBRARIES
SEL FOCUSED SCHOOLS
RECREATION CENTERS
DANCE STUDIOS
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS
YOGA STUDIOS
Yoga
PLAY LAB
Mindful movement experiences that build strength, flexibility, focus, and emotional awareness through yoga-inspired play, breathwork, and body-based regulation strategies.
SEL Focus Areas:
Mindfulness • Emotional regulation • Self-awareness • Coping skills
Meditate &
PLAY LAB
Interactive meditation experiences that introduce breathwork, calming techniques, guided visualization, and reflective play to support emotional balance and mental wellness.
SEL Focus Areas:
Mindfulness • Emotional regulation • Self-awareness • Coping skills
Play Dough Palooza
PLAY LAB
A sensory-rich, creativity-focused experience using play dough and hands-on materials to encourage self-expression, calming, and collaboration.
SEL Focus Areas:
Creativity • Sensory regulation • Emotional expression
Typically offered for Kids & Tweens
Age-Responsive Design
Every Play Lab concept is thoughtfully adapted for each age group.
Ages 6–8
Focus on body awareness, emotional expression, cooperative play, imagination, and foundational mindfulness skills.
Ages 9–12
Focus on emotional regulation, confidence building, peer connection, stress management, and self-awareness.
Ages 13–18
Focus on coping strategies, mindfulness practices, stress reduction, identity exploration, leadership, and resilience.
Why Organizations Choose
PLAY LABS
✔ Developmentally responsive for ages 6–18
✔ Supports CASEL-aligned SEL competencies
✔ Trauma-informed and inclusive
✔ Adaptable for classrooms, after-school, and community settings
✔ Facilitated by an experienced Mindful Play Learning educator
Program Formats Available
Play Labs can be offered as:
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One-time workshops
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Multi-week enrichment series
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After-school programming
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Community wellness events
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Nonprofit-funded initiatives
Programs are customized based on age group, setting, and organizational goals.
Rooted in Early Learning. Growing Through Play.
Mindful Play Learning is a comprehensive play-based wellness program for early learners, grounded in yoga, imagination, and mindful play. Play Labs were created as a natural extension of this foundation—allowing older children and youth to continue engaging with mindfulness and play in developmentally appropriate ways.