Fitness Through Play: Play Strong at Nationwide Children’s
Children and teens often face challenges that lead to lower fitness levels, especially in hospital settings. Regular activity boosts physical health, strengthens confidence and creates opportunities for social connection. That’s why Nationwide Children’s Hospital developed a medically supervised wellness program called Play Strong.
What Is Play Strong?
Play Strong is a dynamic 12‑week program designed to help young people build lasting physical activity habits. Participants come two times per week to socialize, engage and have fun with peers while earning prizes and incentives to keep them motivated.
By turning exercise into play, we show that fitness can be fun, energizing and something to look forward to every day. Parents and caregivers stay for the program.
There are four goals to the program. We aim to change:
- Thoughts and attitudes toward physical activity
- Habits at home regarding physical activity vs. physical inactivity
- Functional movement skills and fitness measures, including strength, coordination, balance and endurance
- Confidence to engage in a variety of physical activities with friends and peers
How Does Play Strong Work?
Your child will require a referral from their doctor and they must be cleared for physical activity. They will be seen by one of our certified athletic trainers who run the Play Strong program.
After their initial evaluation, your child will receive a recommendation for one or more of the following programming options:
Our Play Strong partners are brought in (or sometimes we travel to them) to introduce our patients and families to many fun and creative ways to be physically active.
Group Exercise & Play class combines both of the following elements:
- Exercise: using traditional equipment (BOSU balance, stability balls, medicine balls and hand weights) in a circuit format.
- Play: these games are fun, but do not worry, they will still give you a great workout.
What Are the Goals of Play Strong?
- Weekly small changes: Participants take on simple, achievable goals that build momentum and self-confidence.
- Make exercise fun: Play‑based activities, games and challenges make physical activity enjoyable.
- Long‑term success: Step‑by‑step progress ensures habits stick well beyond the program.
- Healthy habits: Physical activity becomes something to enjoy.
- Body coordination: Improved endurance, strength, balance and control.
- Self-confidence: Increased sense of achievement and reduced stress.
- Social connection: Teamwork, friendship and shared fun.
Who Can Enroll in Play Strong?
Play Strong is for youth ages 5 to 17 years old. Classes are set up in small groups. Attendees participate in game play and functional movement while receiving education to increase physical activity at home. This program can bill to insurance.
To help your child get the most out of Play Strong, we recommend:
- Group experience: Children who have had positive experiences in group settings often feel more comfortable and engaged.
- Learning readiness: Being able to practice and imitate skills introduced in class helps ensure steady progress.
- Behavioral stability: A recent history of positive behavior (within the past 6 months) supports a safe and encouraging environment for everyone.
- Medical referral: A doctor’s referral is required to join.
- Health clearance: Children should be cleared for physical activity by their health care provider.
- Age‑appropriate classes: Sessions are organized by age so participants can learn and play with peers.
Where Is Play Strong Offered?
- Dublin Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center
- Livingston Orthopedic & Surgery Center
- Westerville Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center
Class Times:
- 5 to 6 p.m. for ages 5 to 10
- 6 to 7 p.m. for ages 11 to 17
Learn More
Meet the Play Strong Team
Play Strong is run by certified athletic trainers who are part of the Sports Medicine team.
How to Refer a Patient
If you are a Nationwide Children’s provider:
Referrals can be made to the Play Strong Program from within Nationwide Children’s by searching “Sports Medicine Play Strong.”
If you are a provider outside of Nationwide Children’s:
Write a prescription for Athletic Training or Functional Rehabilitation. Please be sure to include all pertinent diagnoses and comorbidities, as well as a clearance for physical activity. Choose ONE of three options to send.
- Fax referrals to (614) 722-4000
- Complete our online Request An Appointment form
- Call Central Scheduling at (614) 601-4678 or (614) 601-4678
Questions? Call (614) 355-8267 or Email PlayStrong@NationwideChildrens.org
Meet Our Play Strong Partners
