{"id":125339,"date":"2026-03-03T16:15:31","date_gmt":"2026-03-03T16:15:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/?post_type=services&#038;p=125339"},"modified":"2026-03-06T17:33:44","modified_gmt":"2026-03-06T17:33:44","slug":"recreational-therapy","status":"publish","type":"services","link":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/services\/recreational-therapy\/","title":{"rendered":"Recreational Therapy"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":1,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":""},"tags":[],"modal_window":[16,405],"class_list":["post-125339","services","type-services","status-publish","hentry","modal_window-kids-conditions-services","modal_window-kids-nav-conditions-and-services"],"acf":{"kids_branding":true,"title_override":"Recreational Therapy","individual_page_toggle":true,"body_sections":[{"acf_fc_layout":"content_right_and_image_left","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"image_fit":"cover","image_zoom":false,"image":125344,"text_holder":{"content_editor":"<h2>Recreational Therapy at Mary Free Bed Kids<\/h2>\r\nAt Mary Free Bed Kids, Recreational Therapy plays a vital role in helping children heal, grow and rediscover joy through meaningful play and activity. Our Pediatric Recreational Therapy Program is designed to support a child\u2019s physical, emotional, cognitive and social development while making therapy engaging, motivating and fun.\r\n\r\nWe believe that play is powerful. For children facing illness, injury, or disability, recreation is therapy. Through carefully planned activities, our recreational therapists help children build confidence, independence, and life skills that carry over into everyday experiences at home, school and in the community."}},{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"content_editor":"<h2>What is pediatric recreational therapy?<\/h2>\r\nPediatric recreational therapy, sometimes called therapeutic recreation, is a clinical service that uses play, leisure activities and recreation-based interventions to help children reach functional goals and improve overall well-being.\r\n\r\nUnlike unstructured playtime, recreational therapy is intentional and goal-driven. Each activity is carefully selected and adapted to support a child\u2019s individual treatment plan. Therapists use play as a tool to help children:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Build physical strength and endurance<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Improve motor planning and coordination<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Develop emotional regulation and coping skills<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Increase social interaction and communication<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Learn problem-solving and decision-making<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Gain independence and confidence<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFor children, learning happens naturally through play. Our Recreational Therapy Program harnesses that natural learning process to support rehabilitation in ways that feel empowering rather than overwhelming.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>Why Recreational Therapy Matters for Kids<\/h2>\r\nChildren experience medical challenges differently than adults. Hospitalization, injury or long-term rehabilitation can interrupt routines and social connections. Recreational therapy helps bridge that gap by restoring a sense of normalcy, joy, and purpose.\r\n\r\nAt Mary Free Bed Kids, recreational therapy helps children:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Stay motivated<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Express emotions in healthy ways<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Reduce stress, anxiety and frustration<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Build resilience and self-esteem<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Maintain developmental progress during rehabilitation<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nBy focusing on what children can do\u2014and what they enjoy\u2014recreational therapy promotes healing of both body and mind.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Our Approach<\/h2>\r\nOur approach is child-centered, building on their hobbies and interests while encouraging family participation. We meet each child exactly where they are to craft a unique treatment plan full of personalized, meaningful goals. Whether a child loves art, sports, music, games or imaginative play, our therapists use those interests to drive progress.\r\n\r\nKey principles of our approach include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Purposeful play: Activities are selected to support therapeutic goals while remaining fun and engaging.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Individualized care: Every therapy plan is tailored to the child\u2019s age, abilities, medical needs and personal interests.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Collaboration: Recreational therapists work closely with physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, teachers and medical providers.<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Family involvement: Families are encouraged to participate and learn ways to support leisure and play at home and in the community.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nOur goal is not only to support recovery, but to help children discover activities they can enjoy for a lifetime.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Who benefits from pediatric recreational therapy?<\/h2>\r\nThe Recreational Therapy Program at Mary Free Bed Kids supports children and adolescents with a wide range of conditions and needs, including:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Neurological conditions such as<a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/conditions\/cerebral-palsy\/\"> cerebral palsy<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/conditions\/brain-injury-kids\/\">brain injury<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/conditions\/kids-spinal-cord-injury\/\">Spinal cord injury<\/a><\/li>\r\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/conditions\/orthopedic\/\">Orthopedic injuries<\/a> or post-surgical recovery<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Chronic illness or pain<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Developmental delays<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Emotional or behavioral challenges related to medical conditions<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Adjustment to disability or changes in function<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Extended hospital stays or intensive rehabilitation programs<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nRecreational therapy services are adapted to support children at various stages of recovery, from early rehabilitation to community reintegration.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Inpatient Recreational Therapy<\/h2>\r\nFor children receiving inpatient rehabilitation at Mary Free Bed Kids, recreational therapy is integrated into daily care. In the inpatient setting, therapists help children adjust to the hospital environment while continuing to engage in age-appropriate activities.\r\n\r\nInpatient recreational therapy may focus on:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Coping with hospitalization<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Stress management<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Social interactions<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Building endurance and attention<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Encouraging participation in daily routines<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Supporting peer interaction with other patients<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nActivities are designed to complement other therapies and medical care while providing much-needed opportunities for play and enjoyment.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>The Role of the Pediatric Recreational Therapist<\/h2>\r\nPediatric recreational therapists at Mary Free Bed Kids are certified professionals with specialized training in child development, therapeutic recreation and rehabilitation. They understand the science of play and how recreation can support healing and growth.\r\n\r\nTheir role includes:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Assessing a child\u2019s interests, strengths and needs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Developing individualized recreational therapy plans<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Leading therapeutic activities and groups<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Collaborating with the interdisciplinary care team<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Educating families on leisure skills and adaptive recreation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Supporting emotional well-being and coping<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nBy building trusting relationships, recreational therapists create safe spaces where children feel encouraged to try new things and celebrate progress.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Supporting Emotional Health and Coping<\/h2>\r\nMedical treatment and rehabilitation can be emotionally challenging for children. Recreational therapy provides opportunities for children to:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Express feelings in creative ways<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Build coping strategies<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Experience success and accomplishment<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Reduce anxiety and stress<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Regain a sense of control<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nThrough play and recreation, children can process experiences and build resilience. Play also helps children maintain a positive sense of self during recovery."},{"acf_fc_layout":"content_right_and_image_left","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"image_fit":"cover","image_zoom":false,"image":125340,"text_holder":{"content_editor":"<h2>Family-Centered Care and Education<\/h2>\r\nFamilies are an essential part of a child\u2019s healing journey. Recreational therapists work closely with parents and caregivers to:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Share strategies for encouraging play and leisure at home<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Identify adaptive activities the whole family can enjoy together<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Support confidence in community participation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Provide education on the importance of recreation for long-term health<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nBy empowering families, we help ensure that therapeutic benefits extend beyond inpatient rehabilitation or outpatient therapy."}},{"acf_fc_layout":"wysiwyg","section_options":{"wrapper_width":"","custom_class":"","section_id":""},"content_editor":"<h2>Outcomes That Matter<\/h2>\r\nThe Recreational Therapy Program at Mary Free Bed Kids supports outcomes that go beyond physical recovery. These include:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>Increased confidence and self-esteem<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Improved social participation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Better emotional regulation<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Greater independence in leisure activities<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nOur focus is on helping children return to being kids. We\u2019ll help them play, build friendships and discover new activities.\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>Getting Started<\/h2>\r\nReferrals and Access to Services\r\n\r\nRecreational therapy services are typically included as part of an inpatient or day rehabilitation program. Referrals are coordinated through the child\u2019s care team to ensure services align with overall treatment goals.\r\n\r\nFamilies can expect:\r\n<ul>\r\n \t<li>A personalized assessment of your child\u2019s interests and needs<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Clear communication with the care team<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Activities designed to support both therapy goals and enjoyment<\/li>\r\n \t<li>Ongoing updates on progress and participation<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><\/h2>\r\n<h2>A Place Where Kids can be Kids<\/h2>\r\nAt Mary Free Bed Kids, we believe healing happens best when children feel supported, understood and encouraged to be themselves. Recreational therapy helps children reconnect with the joy of play while a lifetime of skills.\r\n\r\nIf you\u2019d like to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/schedule-kids-care\/\">learn more<\/a> about the Mary Free Bed Kids Recreational Therapy Program, our team is here to help.\r\n\r\n[gallery size=\"large\" ids=\"125343,125341,125342\"]"}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/services\/125339","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/services"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/services"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=125339"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=125339"},{"taxonomy":"modal_window","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.maryfreebed.com\/kids\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/modal_window?post=125339"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}