Preteklo desetletje slovenske prostorske prakse je pustilo opazne posledice pri tistih prostorskih rabah, ki so povsem odvisne od trajnejših opredelitev in načel. V veliki meri so prizadete rabe prostora, katere so ozko povezane z javnim dobrim in javnimi interesi. Mednje sodijo tudi potrebe otrok in mladostnikov v prostoru. Prispevek predstavlja spoznanja o prostorskih pogojih življenja otrok in mladostnikov. Analiza razmer v Ljubljani odkriva razpon problemov, od sistemskih do povsem operativnih, ki trenutno obvladujejo področje. V odsotnosti urbanističnih in varnostnih normativov sledimo počasnemu razpadu podedovane mreže javnih otroških igrišč in zanemarjanju potreb otrok in mladostnikov v prostoru. Namen prispevka je opozoriti na obrobnost pomena tematike v prostorski stvarnosti in strokovnih razpravah, ki je v nasprotju z deklariranim pomenom te prebivalstvene skupine. The last decade of Slovenian planning practice has left visible consequences in spatial uses, that depend on long-term definitions and principles. Mainly those types of land use were affected, that are tighthly connected with the public good and public interest. Amongst other they include the spatial needs of children and adolescents. The article presents findings on spatial conditions for the life of children and youth. The analysis of conditions in Ljubljana reveals a wide range of problems, in the system and presently prevailing operative level. Owing to a lack of urbanistic and security norms we are on a course of gradual decay of the inherited network of childrens playgrounds and disrespect for the spatial needs of children and younger population. The aim of the article is to disclose the present peripheral importance of the issue in spatial reality and expert debate, that is in contradiction with the declared importance of this population group.