Children and burgeoning adolescents' creativity blossom in play-based environments. Likewise, students as active social agents have the opportunity to examine the structures and processes that shape them. The photographic image intimates an aura of credibility, providing the students pause to reflect upon their socialized interactions. These photographs by Helen Levitt serve as a thematic resource for students to examine historical mid-20th century variations of play in New York City, and ultimately document diverse varieties of play within their own contemporary social communities. In this context, the investigated social community serves as an environment wherein children or adults engage in organized or impromptu acts of play within either an interior or exterior setting. The photographic images of Helen Levitt provide students a historical visual stepping-stone to document and examine the everyday, play-engaged lives of both children and adults. (Contains 5 figures and 1 table.)