Like many animals, humans tend to play less as we grow older. But play is valuable for adults too, says research professor Peter Gray. Why adults lose the urge to play and how to recapture your inner child.

Who better to discuss the importance of play than the experts? In this episode, kids share with us what they love about playing with old tires, nails, and old oil drums versus traditional playground equipment.

Avoiding risk in play entirely means children miss out on a lot, explains psychologist Mariana Brussoni. From building self confidence to understanding their physical limits, taking risks during playtime is important.

Researchers are recommending that parents allow their kids to engage in more "risky" play. One way to accomplish this is by playing at an adventure playground, like the one host Molly Bentley visited in New York City. Here, the kids make the rules.

Play is important for a child's development. But has children's play become too safe? This week, we look at how risky play can be beneficial for both physical and mental health.

When you picture an animal playing, what do you think of? A dog chasing a ball? A cat playing with string? Well, it's not just mammals that enjoy playtime. Find out the playful creature that surprised author David Toomey the most on this week's episode:

RT @NewsHour: PBS News is not going anywhere. We will continue our work without fear or favor, as we have for nearly five decades on the a….

Play reinforces important neural networks, explains science writer David Toomey. Tune in to this week's episode to hear more about what tickling rats has taught us about the neurology of play and its link to social behavior:

If you've ever seen a video of a crow sledding down a roof or an octopus bouncing a ball, then you know humans aren't the only animals who love to play. But why did play evolve in the first place? This week, "The Play's the Thing:"

Could play have evolutionary benefits? From sledding crows to roughhousing wolves to bees rolling balls, we examine how play shapes the animal kingdom. Plus, why children need risky play. It’s “The Play’s the Thing” this week:

Why researchers are recommending that parents let kids play unsupervised in playgrounds that might resemble junkyards. Also, evolutionary benefits of play in other species from crows to wolves to bees. This week, “The Play’s the Thing”

We tend to throw out broken objects rather than repair them. And in some cases, they've been designed so we can't repair them at all, says @RomaTheEngineer. We're diving into the "Nuts and Bolts"

The invention of the wheel and axle was certainly a turning point in human history. But do you know why the wheel was originally invented? Find out the surprising answer in this week's episode, "Nuts and Bolts"

Humans have used simple inventions like screws and bolts for centuries. In fact, the screws we use today aren't much different than the ones used by ancient Egyptians. We explore the seven small inventions that changed the world in "Nuts and Bolts"

If you were building a skyscraper, you'd probably want it to have a solid foundation. But flexibility is also important, explains @RomaTheEngineer. She explains how springs help protect buildings from natural disasters in this week's episode

If your wristwatch is working properly, you probably aren't thinking much about the over 20 screws and springs that keep it ticking. @RomaTheEngineer explores the small mechanisms that make everyday items possible on this week's episode:

Structural engineer @RomaTheEngineer spends most of her time thinking about how to build big structures. But every large design challenge relies on a few small mechanisms in order to work. Learn more on this week's episode:

From nuts and bolts, to rivets and screws, and even wheels and springs, our world is held together by a few seemingly simple inventions. But is our knowledge of how these mechanisms work disappearing? Find out more on this week's episode, "Nuts and Bolts"

RT @twdixon: @BiPiSci @RomaTheEngineer Fun / interesting episode. Sent me on a deeper dive about hot riveting. Wild 😲 How have I just taken….

This week, we're showing appreciation for the little things in life. Fasteners like rivets and screws may be simple inventions, but we rely on them to hold our world together. We're getting into the "Nuts and Bolts:"