this descriptive study shows the daily activities of twenty street children of porto alegre central area, brazil. observational methodology and a structured interview were elaborated for this research. the results revealed that children use the streets for diverse activities, including those that guarantee their personal surveillance and their families subsistence. some solitary play was observed, demonstrating that even when working, those children keep developing characteristics. the data has been discussed based on the ecological system theory, pointing out the importance of studies that describe healthy aspects in that environment. intervention may emphasize the community and the civil society participation to support those children and their families.
