Ludothek global at Berlin Global Village is an open place for children aged zero to ten, accompanied by their parents, other caregivers, or professionals – free of charge. 

 

Ludothek global is not a daycare center, but an open, free-of-charge space for free play, connection, and Global Learning. Children with different experiences, languages, and needs are welcome here. At the same time, Ludothek global is a place where inclusion, sustainability, and Global Learning come together in everyday practice. The program is explicitly not just for younger children: there are also suitable materials and formats for older children up to the age of ten.

 

Free play without pressure to perform

At the heart of Ludothek global is free play. Children are not expected to function, achieve, or follow predetermined routines. They are encouraged to explore, immerse themselves, invent, and follow their own ideas. For the Ludothek global team, this is a key starting point: play is not just a pastime, but a basic need and an important part of child development.

Ludothek global creates a setting in which children can experiment without having to immediately reach a learning goal or produce a result.

 

The selection of play materials

Ludothek global offers carefully selected toys that spark imagination and leave room for self-directed play. Many of the materials are sustainably and fairly produced, environmentally safe, or made from recycled materials. Plastic, harmful substances, and problematic production conditions are avoided wherever possible. Many items are repaired instead of thrown away.

The play materials are also chosen intentionally with inclusion and diversity in mind. Many of the toys also relate to Global Learning.

 

What families can do at Ludothek global

Families can drop in during opening hours, play together, try out materials, and use the space. For many, Ludothek global is also a place to meet other families, start conversations, and build connections.

More recently, a toy lending service has also been introduced. During opening hours, families can register directly on site through the lending system and borrow toys for two weeks. Depending on the toy, the fee ranges from 2 to 5 Euros.

The idea grew out of a simple observation: many children found it hard to part with certain toys after playing with them. With the lending service, they can now take them home as well. The model works a bit like a library, but for toys. In keeping with a sustainable principle: borrow instead of buy.

In addition, Ludothek global can be rented for celebrations and events, such as children’s birthday parties or as a space for childcare during events in the building. The room and the games can be rented, but childcare is not included.

 

Global Learning: playful and rooted in everyday life

A key focus of Ludothek global is Global Learning. This means educational work that takes children seriously and introduces topics in a playful way. Through vacation programs, workshops, and collaborations with schools, organizations, and groups, content is prepared in ways that allow children to explore it creatively and with joy.

For example, children might work with clay, explore soil and the environment, cook with herbs, or engage together with questions of sustainability and coexistence. Celebrations and hands-on activities also take up aspects of Global Learning, such as baking with references to different Christmas traditions or collaborating with initiatives like the neighborhood mothers.

 

A program for schools, daycare centers, and groups as well

In addition to families, Ludothek global is also used by daycare and school groups. Groups often come by prior arrangement outside regular opening hours. For daycare groups, the visit costs 2 euros per child, and the first visit is free.
One regular guest, for example, is the after-school program at Boddinschule: 16 children and their educators come to Berlin Global Village to play and take part in Global Learning activities. These are designed by Ludothek global’s educational staff.

 

Training for professionals

Ludothek global also offers training for professionals. Educators, psychologists, occupational therapists, social care assistants, and other professionals can take part in further training on topics such as fair play, play-based pedagogy, developmental support, or buying sustainable toys.

The approach is hands-on and accessible. At its core is the question of how play can be strengthened, protected, and understood globally in educational practice.

 

How to support Ludothek global

Ludothek global is not only a place for families, but also a place of collaboration for organizations, initiatives, and professionals. It can be used for events, workshops, or training sessions and is open to further partnerships.

Anyone who would like to support its work in a more practical way can also get involved, for example by helping care for the garden in front of the Ludothek.

At the same time, the team points out that programs like Ludothek global can only be sustained and further developed in the long term if reliable funding is secured. Political decision-makers are called upon to provide stronger financial support for play, inclusion, Global Learning, and low-barrier educational spaces.

 

Who is behind Ludothek global

Ludothek global is run by the nonprofit organization Fördern durch Spielmittel e.V., based in Prenzlauer Berg. This charitable organization, recognized as an independent youth welfare provider, was founded in 1991.

Its origins lie in the development of innovative play materials for children with disabilities as part of UNESCO creativity workshops. From there, additional projects emerged with the aim of improving opportunities for children with special support needs as well as for adults who have experienced exclusion and marginalization.

🕙 Opening hours of Ludothek global
Tuesday: 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 3:00–6:00 p.m.
Friday: 3:00–6:00 p.m.

 

On every second and fourth Thursday of the month, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., there is a dedicated opening time for families who need a calmer environment and have specific support needs. Advance registration is requested.

Appointments for groups are also available by prior arrangement.

Visiting Ludothek global is free of charge.

 

Visit Ludothek Global