At the end of September, the SOFTacademy team set out on a special visit to the Estonian Open Air Museum. This time not just with colleagues, but together with children.

The goal of the visit was simple yet meaningful: to observe which activities truly captured the children’s interest, where they lingered the longest, and which experiences made their eyes light up with excitement. These insights will guide us in creating play environments where imagination can soar and play knows no limits.

What began as a shared day out turned into something more – a step towards collaboration where both kids and adults contributed ideas for designing new play areas. Our mission is to build environments for children that go beyond traditional playgrounds, using natural materials, discovery-driven design, and spaces that invite interaction and co-creation.

A highlight of the day was the model-making workshop. Children and adults worked side by side to create miniature models and concept designs – visions of play spaces that children would find truly engaging. This collaborative creative process became the heart of the day, offering a chance to dream, discuss, and shape environments inspired by the needs and ideas of children themselves.

The children’s play workshop was led by TalTech.