Working with disabled children, young people and their families

2003 Kidsactive founded as HAPA

Kidsactive was founded as the Handicapped Adventure Play Association (HAPA) in 1966 by Lady Allen of Hurtwood, a pioneer in the field of adventure play. She inspired a group of like-minded colleagues to provide play opportunities for disabled children.

In 1970, HAPA opened its first adventure playground in Chelsea. This was followed by a further five playgrounds across London in the decade that followed as local authorities began to recognise the value of such facilities and their responsibility for funding them. HAPA changed its name to Kidsactive in 1999.

In 2003, KIDS joined forces with Kidsactive in order to broaden the facilities both charities were offering to children and families. From HAPA to Kidsactive to KIDS: this commitment to providing inclusive and adventurous play facilities for disabled children has remained unbroken for over 60 years.