Play Box kits encourage children to explore movement through games, activities, and hands-on play. Available through a partnership with PacificSport Okanagan, these Library of Things kits support the development of physical literacy in a fun and engaging way, while giving families an opportunity to try new games and activities before committing to a purchase.
Each Play Box includes equipment and activity cards designed to help children build fundamental movement skills. These early skills support coordination, confidence, and a lifelong connection to physical activity.
Two versions of the Play Box kits are available to borrow:
Play Box: Active Start
Designed for younger children who are just beginning to explore movement and play. Includes: beach ball, small ball, tennis ball, splash ball, bean bags (4), scarves (4), long foam noodles (2), foam noodle pieces (8), foam numbered dice (2), skipping rope, small hoops (2), cones (4), happy face buckets (2), Reach Twirl Curl Up (board book), small handheld ball pump, and laminated activity cards, all stored in a large bin. Recommended for ages 3–5.
Play Box: Fundamentals
Supports older children as they build coordination, balance, and confidence through active play. Includes: beach ball (1), soccer ball (1), volleyball (1), tennis balls (6), frisbees (2), agility ladder (1), foam noodle halves (4), skipping ropes (3), small hoops (4), cones (12), Fundamental Movement Skills: Game Manual (1), and a small handheld ball pump, all stored in a large bin. Recommended for ages 6–11.
Getting Started
Find an open space suitable for play, like your backyard, the local park, or even a room indoors. Choose a game on one of the activity cards, grab the listed equipment, and follow the instructions. Or make up your own activities with the supplied equipment – just make sure you are moving, playing, and having fun!
Remember to be safe! With all physical activity, there comes the risk of injury. Please ensure that activities are appropriate for the age of participating children.
Adult supervision is recommended. Play Boxes include parts not suitable for children under 3 years.
About PacificSport Okanagan
PacificSport Okanagan is a not-for-profit regional sport hub created to empower communities to play, participate, and perform at their best through sport and physical activity. They lead and facilitate education and opportunities for active living and sport at all levels, embracing the Canadian Sport for Life principles to build healthy communities. Movement Skill development starts at a young age, and PacificSport Okanagan assists our community members on their physical literacy journey providing support to be active for life.
Additional Resources
Active for Life
Fun activities that help kids develop the fundamental movement skills that provide an early foundation for physical literacy. Search activities by child age and movement skill.
Early Years Physical Literacy
A list of activities for all seasons of the year that promote physical activity in preschool children.
Active After School
Hundreds of activities that can be sorted by age, skill, time duration, play area, and group size.
Sport for Life – Physical Literacy at Home
A series of short videos that help support parents and guardians and kids to develop physical literacy at home.
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Lending Policy
- This kit can be borrowed for 2 weeks.
- 1 renewal if no one else is waiting for the item.
- The borrower is responsible for lost, missing, and damaged pieces (see content list with prices included with kit).
- Before returning, please ensure all items are clean and in good condition.
- Return the kit to a staff member at the front desk of your nearest ORL location. Do not use the book drop or leave them outside the library.
- BC One Card patrons: Library of Things kits must be checked out and returned to one of the Okanagan Regional Library branches.
