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Play is a central part of childhood, and a trip to the neighborhood playground is often the highlight of a child’s day. A game of “the ground is lava” can turn a slide into a volcano, a stranger into a friend. Playing together helps children learn how to collaborate, problem-solve and stretch their imaginations. In fact, the United Nations names play as one of the rights of every child, and organizations from the American Academy of Pediatrics to the Centers for Disease Control recommend active play for children every day, citing countless socio-emotional and health benefits.