Play

A collection of TED Talks (and more) on the topic of Play.

Video playlists about Play

The illuminating benefits of video games

7 talks • 1h 39m
Are video games eroding our minds? These TED talks suggest the opposite — that videos games can improve our brain function, and even help better the world.

Why you should take time to play

9 talks • 2h 3m
Play invites creativity and collaboration, and can inspire you to think out of the box! Take a recess and learn about the benefits of connecting with your inner-child.

Talks to inspire projects with kids

8 talks • 1h 10m
These crafty talks will ignite passions, pique interests and introduce kids to the excitement of hands-on learning.

Talks for your inner child

9 talks • 1h 58m
Fun doesn’t stop at adulthood. Reconnect with your sense of wonder and imagination in these playful talks.

Talks about Play

7:28

Matthew A. Wilson

The health benefits of clowning around

Posted Feb 2020
12:42

Cornelia Geppert

A video game that helps us understand loneliness

Posted Dec 2019
7:56

Yana Buhrer Tavanier

How to recover from activism burnout

Posted Apr 2019
3:35

Kyra Gaunt

How the jump rope got its rhythm

Posted Mar 2018
5:41

Marc Bamuthi Joseph

What soccer can teach us about freedom

Posted Mar 2018
12:45

Felice Belle and Jennifer Murphy

How we became sisters

Posted Mar 2018
8:39

Karoliina Korppoo

How a video game might help us build better cities

Posted Sep 2017
15:57

Helen Czerski

The fascinating physics of everyday life

Posted Sep 2017
12:41

Caroline Paul

To raise brave girls, encourage adventure

Posted Mar 2017
7:05

Andrew Pelling

This scientist makes ears out of apples

Posted Jun 2016
14:12

Matthew Williams

Special Olympics let me be myself — a champion

Posted Feb 2016
9:47

Takaharu Tezuka

The best kindergarten you’ve ever seen

Posted Apr 2015
6:33

Leah Buechley

How to "sketch" with electronics

Posted Nov 2012
16:18

Gabe Zichermann

How games make kids smarter

Posted Nov 2011
17:56

Steve Keil

A manifesto for play, for Bulgaria and beyond

Posted Jun 2011
15:30

Arvind Gupta

Turning trash into toys for learning

Posted Apr 2011
See all 24 talks on Play

Exclusive articles about Play

Here’s an idea: Play your way to recovery

As anyone who’s ever recovered from an injury knows, physical therapy can be painful, boring and slow. TED Fellow Cosmin Mihaiu is out to change that with MIRA, software that di...