In April, our French team took part in the launch of Grandir ICI — a movement asking an essential question: what place do we still give children in our daily lives?
The initiative comes in response to a growing trend across Europe: the rise of “No Kids” policies. Restaurants refusing families, hotels focusing exclusively on adults, and public spaces where laughing or playing children are increasingly seen as a disturbance.
But children are not the problem.
A child who plays, moves, explores or expresses emotions is simply doing what children naturally do. The real question is whether our environments still leave room for that. Many spaces today are designed around adult expectations: speed, silence, efficiency and control.
In the Netherlands, we have seen for decades that there is another way. Children are naturally part of public life, hospitality environments and shared spaces. Not just because there are play corners, but because both the design and the mindset take different age groups into account.
That is exactly what Grandir ICI aims to encourage in France: first changing perspectives, then changing spaces.
More than just a play corner
At IKC Play, we believe family-friendliness goes beyond installing a piece of play equipment. A play corner alone does not automatically make a location inclusive. It is about the entire experience.
Think of wide pathways for strollers, staff who actively acknowledge children, signage placed at different heights, or waiting areas where movement is not immediately considered disruptive.
At the same time, a well-designed play space can make a significant difference. In restaurants, hotels or waiting rooms, it creates comfort, calm and a better experience for the whole family. But this only works when the organisation as a whole communicates that children are truly welcome.
Making space for everyone
The way we treat children in public spaces says a lot about our society. A society that makes room for children ultimately becomes a kinder and more welcoming place for everyone.
That is what we aim to contribute to at IKC Play. Not only by designing sustainable, safe and inspiring play environments, but also by helping organisations think more broadly about what true family-friendliness means.
