Playday 2025

Spaces for play

This year’s theme highlights the vital importance of accessible, inclusive spaces where children and teenagers have opportunities to play freely, spending time, and connecting with friends – and feel valued as part of their community. Children will play anywhere and everywhere, so access to quality playful spaces and places is essential for their happiness and development, offering opportunities to boost both physical health and emotional wellbeing.

This Playday, we’re calling for spaces for play that:

• Are inclusive and welcoming for children and teenagers of all ages and abilities
• Create safe, playful neighbourhoods where children can play freely every day.
• Maximise opportunities for play in schools, childcare, and youth settings
• Are shaped by the voices, needs, and experiences of children and teenagers themselves.
• Support play that promotes fun, friendship, being active, enjoying nature, and building a strong sense of belonging.
• Encourage families, carers, and communities to come together through play across generations.

Every child and teenager has the right to play — and they deserve the time, space, freedom, and opportunity to do so, every day.

This Playday, we encourage families, community leaders, planners, developers, and everyone who shapes children’s lives to champion better spaces for play. Together, we can create a more playful, inclusive world where all children can grow, thrive, and belong.