Freaky Fridays Youth Club x Discovery Playtime

The Challenge

FreakyFridaysYouth Club in Enfield runs weekly sessions for children aged 8 to 13 - a stage where children still deeply need play, creativity, and connection, but often have fewer opportunities to experience these in meaningful ways. At this age, engagement can vary widely. Some children are highly active and social, while others are more reserved, unsure, or hesitant to participate.

The goal of this session was to create an environment where every child could feel comfortable, included, and engaged, regardless of their personality, interests, or level of confidence. It needed to be a space that didn’t rely on pressure or structure alone, but one that naturally invited children in.

Our Approach

At Discovery Playtime, we design experiences that go beyond structured activities. Instead of leading the session through instructions, we focused on creating a carefully designed environment where children could explore, move, and engage at their own pace.

We introduced a three-part structure, dividing the space into distinct zones that supported different types of play and energy. This allowed children to experience a variety of activities while maintaining a sense of choice and autonomy. Although we gently suggested rotating between areas every 30 minutes to ensure everyone experienced each space, children were always given the freedom to stay where they felt most comfortable.

This balance between structure and flexibility is key to creating an environment where children feel both supported and empowered.

The Experience

The first space focused on creativity and self-expression through our Discovery Makers approach. Children were invited to explore a wide range of materials, including art supplies, recycled resources, and open-ended construction elements. There was no set outcome or expectation - just an open invitation to create. This allowed children to follow their ideas freely, experiment without fear of getting things wrong, and build confidence in their own thinking.

In the second space, we introduced STEM and sensory-based exploration. Children made playdough from scratch and experimented with different materials, textures, and combinations. For many of them, this type of messy, hands-on play had not been part of their experience for a long time. What followed was a beautiful return to curiosity - children fully immersed themselves, explored freely, and rediscovered the joy of experimenting and making.

The third space was dedicated to movement, games, and high-energy play. Music, group games, parachute activities, and large-scale play materials created an atmosphere full of energy, laughter, and connection. This space allowed children to release energy, work together, and engage socially in a natural and enjoyable way.

At the end of the session, the group came together to dance and share a final moment as a whole group, creating a sense of closure, belonging, and shared experience.

Inclusion Through Design

One of the most important aspects of the session was how inclusion was built into the environment itself. Rather than expecting all children to engage in the same way, the structure allowed for different levels of participation.

Some children moved quickly between activities, eager to experience everything. Others took their time, staying longer in one space where they felt comfortable. Some chose to observe before joining in. All of these responses were welcomed and supported.

By removing pressure and offering choice, we created a space where every child could find their place. Inclusion was not something we had to enforce - it naturally emerged from the way the session was designed.

Connection At The Core

Throughout the session, each play area was supported by a facilitator whose role was not to instruct, but to connect. This made a significant difference in how children experienced the space.

Children felt comfortable approaching us, asking questions, and engaging in conversations. The atmosphere became one of trust and openness, where children felt seen and supported. This level of connection is what allows children to fully relax into play and make the most of the experience.

The Outcome

The impact of the session was clear from the moment it began. Children were engaged, present, and genuinely enjoying themselves. The variety of spaces allowed each child to find something that resonated with them, and the flexibility of the structure meant they could engage in a way that felt right for them.

The feedback we received reflected this: children described it as “the best day ever” and were already asking to come back. Beyond these words, what stood out most was the atmosphere in the room - full of laughter, creativity, collaboration, and ease.

Children left feeling confident, connected, and fulfilled, having experienced a space where they could truly be themselves.

Why This Matters

Children in this age group still need play, creativity, and movement, but these opportunities are often reduced as they grow older. What this session demonstrated is that when we intentionally create environments that support these needs, children respond immediately.

Play is not something children grow out of - it simply needs to evolve. When we provide the right space, structure, and support, it becomes a powerful tool for engagement, wellbeing, and development.

Looking Ahead

This approach can be adapted for schools, afterschool programmes, youth clubs, and community settings. By focusing on experience design rather than activity delivery, we can create environments that truly support children in a meaningful way.

At Discovery Playtime, this is at the heart of everything we do - creating spaces where children can explore, connect, and grow through play.

Get In Touch

If you would like to bring a similar experience to your school or organisation, we would love to hear from you.

📩 Get in touch today to learn more about our programmes and how we can support your team.