Third Spaces

audriechad
May 3
2 min read

Building Your Child's Toolkit

How our kids explain Third Spaces:

A third space is any place that isn't home (your first place) or school (your second place) — it's somewhere you go just to be, relax, and connect. Think libraries, parks, cafés, community centres, and gyms.

Why is it important?

Knowing about third spaces — and actually going to them — helps kids build social connections outside of the classroom, find a sense of belonging in their community, and feel less alone. Research shows that even brief, positive social interactions in these environments can boost mood and overall well-being. Third spaces also give kids a chance to practise understanding when and where certain behaviours fit — a skill that supports confidence in everyday social situations.

How does it help?

A good third place can feel like a lifeline — a space where both you and your child can not only feel comforted but also thrive. Third places like parks and community spaces provide opportunities for structured social interaction, physical activity, and restorative experiences, which have been linked to improved emotional regulation and reduced stress. When kids have a regular third space, they're more likely to form friendships naturally, feel connected to the world beyond home and school, and build the social awareness that helps them navigate different environments with confidence.

Explore Third Spaces with Your Child!

Help your child discover (and get comfortable in) their own third space by exploring different kinds of spots together. Start small and let them lead.

Ideas to explore:

Library — Quiet, structured, and often full of programs; great for kids who like calm environments
Community centre — Clubs, drop-ins, and recreational programs are built-in ways to meet peers with shared interests
Park or outdoor space — Unstructured time outdoors supports both social interaction and sensory regulation
Bookstore or café — Low-pressure, come-and-go spaces that feel safe and independent
Sports or arts program — Interest-based third spaces make socializing easier because the shared activity does the work
Talk about the "rules" of each space — Discuss what's expected at a library vs. a park vs. a café; this builds social awareness in a natural, low-stakes way
Find your own regular spot — Becoming a "regular" somewhere gives kids a predictable, welcoming anchor in their community

The Great Good Place:

Cafes, Coffee Shops, Bookstores, Bars, Hair Salons, and Other Hangouts at the Heart of a Community by Ray Oldenburg

My Outlet about Third Spaces

Hear from Audrie as she explains the concept of third spaces, why they're so powerful for kids, and how My Outlet was intentionally created to be that welcoming, go-to place in your child's world — beyond home and school.