The opening of the "Play Hut" playground in Hanoi's Book Street not only adds a beneficial play area for children during the summer but also creates a space for family bonding, nurturing imagination, and providing meaningful childhood experiences.
A summer without computer screens.
Summer holidays are traditionally seen as a time for children to freely explore the world , develop skills, and create beautiful childhood memories. However, in large cities, many parents easily notice that children are increasingly lacking spaces for genuine play. Many children spend most of their time indoors, glued to phones, tablets, or other electronic devices, while the yards, open spaces, and street corners that were once associated with the childhoods of many generations are shrinking due to the rapid pace of urbanization.
It is in this context that the official launch of the "Play Hut" playground at Hanoi Book Street by Picenza Art Soul, a social project of Picenza Vietnam Group, in collaboration with the social enterprise Think Playgrounds and the Hanoi Book Street Management Board, holds significant meaning. More than just a playground, the "Play Hut" is envisioned as a small "kingdom" exclusively for children, where they can freely imagine, create, and explore the world in their own way.
The "Playhouse" consists of multiple multi-functional play equipment sets made from natural wood and other materials close to nature. The space is designed with an open concept, encouraging children to actively explore rather than simply accepting pre-programmed games. Every detail is carefully considered so that children can move, interact, create, and develop skills through various forms of play.
The launch of the "Play Hut" took place alongside the Children's Play Festival on June 26, 2026, at Hanoi Book Street, aiming to raise awareness of the role of play in children's holistic development. This space offers a range of experiential activities such as painting on wood, creating toys from recycled materials and natural ingredients under the guidance of volunteers. These activities encourage children to use their imagination and independent thinking skills instead of relying on electronic devices.
Amid concerns among parents about their children spending too much screen time during summer vacation, the emergence of an open playground right in the heart of the city offers a positive alternative for families. Children can not only run, jump, and exercise but also have the opportunity to connect with nature, become familiar with environmentally friendly materials, and learn to be creative from the simple things around them.
From a pediatrician's perspective, children's regular participation in outdoor activities offers comprehensive benefits for both their physical and mental health. Exercise helps develop the musculoskeletal system, increases cardiovascular endurance, improves motor coordination, and reduces the risk of overweight and obesity. Appropriate exposure to sunlight also helps the body synthesize vitamin D, increases calcium absorption, and supports height growth.
Moreover, direct experiences with nature help children develop an environmental awareness and appreciate ecosystems and natural resources from a young age. Many studies have also shown that children who regularly play in green spaces have lower stress levels, better concentration, and a reduced risk of anxiety or depression.
A space for family bonding and spreading a reading culture.
The official opening of the "Playhouse" is even more meaningful as it coincides with the 25th anniversary of Vietnam Family Day on June 28th. Beyond its focus on children, the project is also expected to become a place where families can read together, play, socialize, and create bonding moments between parents and children.
According to Ms. Trinh Ngoc Tram, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Cua Nam Ward, Hanoi, the project was created right at the capital's intellectual hub with the desire to create a modern, welcoming, and creative community space. This will be a place where children can play, explore, and develop skills, while families can read together, socialize, share, and cultivate positive values in life.
According to Ms. Trinh Ngoc Tram, the project not only adds amenities to serve the community but also contributes to enriching the cultural space of Hanoi Book Street, creating a harmonious connection between reading culture, family education, and experiential activities for children. The greatest expectation is that this place will become a meaningful cultural meeting point, spreading the love of books and encouraging the formation and maintenance of reading habits in each family and in the community.
Accompanying the program, Ms. Nguyen Hien Anh, Deputy General Director of Picenza Group, stated that over the past two years, the company has implemented many activities for children with the desire to create sustainable values for the community. That journey began with art projects, including a program in collaboration with organizations supporting disadvantaged children, creating opportunities for them to create, exhibit, and sell paintings, while using all proceeds to continue supporting the children themselves.
The construction of the "Playhouse" is a continuation of that journey. According to Ms. Nguyen Hien Anh, all components are made from natural wood to encourage children to exercise, interact with nature, and develop their imagination and creativity through various open-ended play methods. On the occasion of Vietnamese Family Day, the company hopes that this place will not only be a playground for children but also a space for families to play together, bond, and create memorable experiences. This is just the beginning of the company's long-term commitment to developing more community play spaces in localities, contributing to building a friendly, creative, and connected living environment for children and families.
In the midst of a summer when many children still lack spaces to run, explore, and grow up surrounded by nature, the appearance of the "Play Hut" at Hanoi Book Street signifies something beyond a typical playground. It is a reminder of children's right to play, the value of childhood experiences, and the shared responsibility of the community in creating humane spaces where every child can grow up healthy, creative, and happy.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/danh-thuc-tuoi-tho-giua-long-do-thi-1209284.html
