play finder

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play finder works as a locator for nearby parks and playgrounds. The app takes your current location and shows you nearby “playspaces” on a map. Tap on one of these locations and you’ll see the address and a rating if it’s been given one. You can also search for playspaces using your zipcode.  This will pull up a list of nearby spots and their addresses. I really like this concept and play finder works smoothly and quickly pulls up results. But I have an issue with those results. The only play spots that show up for me are schools and commercial play areas (soccer complex, local arcade center, etc.) I did see a few city parks but they were the ones that are located right next to a school.  I was shown high schools and middle schools which will have tracks and grass to run on but no playgrounds. Plus, I don’t think our elementary schools would be too happy if I showed up in the middle of the day with my kids to play on their play equipment. So the concept is good but I think the results need to be broadened. Also, it appears that the map limits the results to a certain mile radius. I’m not sure what that radius is and I can’t find any way to change it but I live on the outskirts of town and I can’t see play areas downtown unless I enter that zipcode into the search section.

There is more to play finder than just the locating of playspaces.  The app has an entire section on “Play Tips”. Here you can see a list of different activities and games to play outdoors. There are ideas from bug hunting to hacky sacks to a game of statues. Tap on the activity/game name and you’ll be given instructions on how to play and what to do. In this section you can also shake your iPhone to see a random activity/game suggestion. Finally there is a gallery for “Play Pics”. Here you can take pictures and see them in a gallery within the play finder app. You can share these pictures from the app on Facebook or through email.

I really like the idea behind play finder and it’s the start of something great but I think a few tweaks need to be made to the results. City parks need to be included and the user needs to be able to set their search radius. The look of the app is nice and it’s very easy to use. With a few adjustments this app can be a great resource for local parks and for finding a spot to play while you are traveling out of town.

Now that I’ve finished my review let me tell you this. play finder is free and for every download General Mills will donate $1.00 to the organization Kaboom. Kaboom is a non-profit organization that works with communities  to build playgrounds. Learn more here and here.

Price when Reviewed: FREE

Seller: General Mills, Inc