Play
International Day of Play
The United Nations International Day of Play recognises children’s right to play and its importance for their wellbeing.
The day is an opportunity to raise global awareness about the importance of play and to campaign for play to be considered in every aspect of children’s lives.
The International Day of Play takes place on 11 June each year.
International Day of Play 2026
This year’s theme – Protect Play, Protect Childhood – is a powerful reminder that play is not just for one day, it’s something to be protected and prioritised all year round, by policy makers, schools, hospitals, families, and neighbours/community members.
Play 31 Challenge
The Play 31 Challenge is a call for all schools across the UK and Ireland to give children 31 more minutes of play on 11 June. By extending playtimes and supporting playful outdoor learning, schools can show their support for the power of play, and respect for children’s right to play.
This is a UK Children’s Play Policy Forum call to action and collaboration with the UK and Ireland’s five International Play Association (IPA) branches: IPA Cymru Wales, IPA England, IPA Ireland, IPA Northern Ireland, and IPA Scotland. Play Wales is a member of the UK Children’s Play Policy Forum.
Get involved
From playgrounds to pavements, gardens to games, play happens everywhere – share your International Day of Play celebrations with us on social media, using the hashtag #InternationalDayOfPlay
To support schools to give children more time to play on International Day of Play, we developed a list of top tips. The list is full of practical and easy ideas for marking the day.
Our other resources to support International Day of Play include:
Background
On 25 March 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution for an annual International Day of Play.
Members of the International Play Association (IPA), including IPA Cymru Wales, voted unanimously to advocate to the UN for an International Day of Play at the IPA World Conference in June 2023.
The IPA joined with a range of global partners including children’s rights organisations and play experts to call on UN member states to support the resolution. The Child Friendly Governance Project also worked directly to engage and support the voices of children worldwide in the call.
The first ever International Day of Play was celebrated on 11 June 2024.
