Story: Childhood

Making your own fun

Making your own fun

Children are good at making their own fun with whatever is at hand. This type of play was common through the 19th and most of the 20th century, when children were given the freedom to play outdoors away from adults – though children in the 2000s are still capable of playing in this way. This group of boys are having a play fight, around 1906. The girl in the background is engaged in a more sedate pursuit, stroking a kitten.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, R. McIndoe Collection
Reference: 1/4-023867-G

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Kerryn Pollock, 'Childhood - Play and recreation', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/26264/making-your-own-fun (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Kerryn Pollock, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 12 Dec 2018