Practical

Research shows that adventure playgrounds are actually safer than traditional playgrounds due to participants' heightened awareness, focus, and judgement while using real tools and materials. Please view the videos below for more information. 

Yes, WhatBox employees are present on-site from delivery to departure and they are trained in expert (un)facilitation techniques to support all participants in playful learning activities that are full of self-expression, collaboration, critical thinking, and healthy risk. 

Many adventure playgrounds maintain a strict no-parents policy to ensure that projects are truly child-driven. At WhatBox, parents are free to leave their children (after registering contact information), but we are also big proponents of multi-generational parallel play, where kids and parents experiment and learn together. That said, if we sense that parents are taking over, our staff is trained to gently step in to help them step back. In this way, WhatBox encourages personal growth for all participants, from younger to older ones. It’s not a “free-for-all” but it is more free for all. 

No, WhatBox is a drop-in experience that is FREE to all participants.

Typically, WhatBox is purchased by a municipality, museum, festival, school, corporation, or other organization for a specific time period. However, WhatBox is also flexible enough to make other arrangements with individuals.

Just contact us when you’re ready.

Only what you wish! If you have a special item or tool -– or maybe even a current project -- then you are welcome to bring it along, but WhatBox provides a wide variety of basic tools, supplies, and materials. Shoes (and snacks) are recommended.

Yes, participants are welcome to bring home their own builds, or leave them behind as inspiration or a starting point for others. All WhatBox tools remain on-site.

Depending on the site, WhatBox arrives in a truck, trailer, or a container, which is usually removed or locked up overnight. WhatBox can take place in a backyard, an empty lot, a field, or even in the woods. 

Some basic materials are new, but many items have been donated by industries interested in seeing their surplus or leftover materials put to new use. We know that found objects with a backstory frequently provide the most interesting and inspirational starting points for new creations. 

WhatBox is open to everyone and (nearly) everything so it reflects and celebrates your community. Participants can play and build, or they can work together on a bigger project, bringing along their own music and meals. WhatBox events can also feature special themes or certain materials, skills, and experts to add to the playful learning experience.