PURPOSE: The international day of play creates a unifying moment at global, national, and local levels to elevate the importance of play. It signals a call for policies, training, and funding to get play integrated into education and community settings worldwide. Too many children are not able to enjoy and benefit from play. Research shows that play is being squeezed out of childhood. It’s also a moment for us to celebrate play and to call on governments and other stakeholders to ensure that every child can enjoy their right to play.
FORUM: "Choose Play – Every Day." International Day of Play 2025. The theme for this year’s International Day of Play is “Choose Play – Every Day”. Play is a critical part of a child’s development, but for many children in conflicts around the world, this right is denied. Close to 71% of children say play is important because it makes them happy, and 58% say that it helps them make friends and have a good time with others. It is estimated that 160 million children around the world are working instead of playing or learning. Only 1 in 4 children play out regularly on their street compared their grandparents generation where almost three-quarters said they played outside a few times a week. 41% of children had been told to stop playing out by either their parents or other adults such as neighbours. The theme is a reminder for all of us – governments, businesses, schools and families – to take decisions that embrace and prioritize play for children. Play is essential for children’s growth, skills building and confidence. But too many are missing out. This International Day of Play, let’s all choose play every day. Together, we can raise our voices for every child’s right to play and help ensure it is fulfilled. Follow the conversation with the hashtags: #11June #InternationalDayofPlay, #Chooseplayeveryday,#LearningThroughPlay.
EVENTS: On June 11th, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York; The UNESCO and the UNICEF will held a high-level panel discussion to mark the International Day of Play 2025 and to promote the importance of play. Senior government representatives from Member States are expected to attend. Register to participate and watch the event!
STATEMENT: “Play is a sign that children feel safe and nurtured and loved. They feel somewhat that they can be children even in the midst of great difficulty.” UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell.
ACTIVITIES: Play: Amazing for everyone: Finding joy, comfort and excitement in everyday moments.
PUBLICATIONS: Suggested readings - People at play; Learning is child's play and Learning through play.
PODCASTS: We are the first generation with the knowledge. Finding the ways to make sure that every child everywhere can fulfil their right to play. Listen the audio-podcasts!
CAMPAIGN MATERIALS: This International Day of Play, is a reminder of the power of play for both children and instructors. Explore the action toolkit and Get the communication materials!
WHY WE CELEBRATE THE DAY?
HOW TO GET INVOLVED!
PARTNERSHIPS
The International Day of Play creates a unifying moment to elevate the importance of play as central to children’s learning and contributing to the well-being and positive mental health of parents, caregivers and children. Through play, children learn to forge connections with others, build a wide range of leadership skills, develop resilience, navigate relationships and social challenges, and conquer their fears. Play helps children to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
You can take part wherever you are – whether it’s trying out new play ideas with your children or helping raise awareness with your friends, families and networks about the power of play.
Raise awareness by sharing your Play activities with your internal and external audiences.
Organize a Play Day with your staff and their families.
Support the creation or improvement of play spaces in your communities.
Scale up services, including parenting programmes, that promote play and attachment
. Enable access to pre-school and learning through play for every 3-6 year old 3.
Ensure every child has access to safe, inclusive, and well-maintained play areas.
Get fun and free play activities
Get Passport to Play and join us on a fun-filled learning adventure with games from around the world.
The International Day of Play is co-organized by the UNICEF, the UNESCO and the WHO Sport for Health Programme; With the participation of the Civil Society Organizations, the Non-governmental Organizations, Local communities, Stakeholders, Business sector, Teachers and educators; Parents; Schools, Universities and Academia.
Please contact UNICEF’s Global Corporate Team if you would like to explore partnership opportunities around play at corporate-partnerships@unicef.org