International Day of Play
Protect play, protect childhood.
Happy and healthy childhoods are built on play.
But in many of our communities, safe public spaces for children to play are shrinking.
This International Day of Play, let’s commit to protect every child’s right to play. Because when we protect play, we protect childhood.
Fulfilling every child's right to play
Help create a world where every child’s right to play is respected, protected and fulfilled.
We are calling on governments, businesses and other stakeholders to:
- 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
- Ensure every child has access to safe, inclusive, and well-maintained play areas.
> Get the global data on play
CTA
- BRAC
- ChangeX
- The Child and Youth Friendly Governance Project
- ChildFund Alliance
- The Concerned for Working Children
- Eurochild
- Hasbro, Inc.
- Ingka Centres
- International Play Association
- International Rescue Committee
- The LEGO Foundation
- The LEGO Group
- Mattel, Inc.
- Moving Minds Alliance
- Pampers
- Plan International
- Right To Play International
- Save the Children International
- Sony Interactive Entertainment
- TOMY Company, Ltd.
- The Toy Association
- UNICEF
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Learn about International Day of Play
What is International Day of Play?
International Day of Play is a time to celebrate the power of play. It’s a time to raise awareness about how central play is to every child’s development and well-being. And it’s a time when we can come together to make sure that every child is able to fulfil their right to play.
What is the theme for International Day of Play 2026?
The theme for this year’s International Day of Play is “Protect play, protect childhood”. The theme is a reminder for all of us – governments, businesses, schools and families – that happy and healthy childhoods are built on play.
Why is play so important?
Play builds creativity, resilience, and social skills, laying the groundwork for lifelong learning and well-being. In too many communities, children's access to free, unstructured play is shrinking as public spaces become unsafe, inaccessible, or unhealthy – particularly in dense urban settings and humanitarian contexts. Without safe spaces, even the most engaged caregivers struggle to support children’s right to play.
When is the International Day of Play?
International Day of Play takes place each year on 11 June.
When was International Day of Play established?
In March 2024, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing 11 June as the International Day of Play to champion and protect this right. On behalf of the United Nations, UNICEF and UNESCO facilitate the annual observance to raise awareness about the importance of play.
How can I get involved?
You'll be able to 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.
And remember, there's no need to wait until 11 June – every day is an opportunity for playful moments!
The power of play
In homes around the world, play is one of the first ways young children learn, connect and make sense of the world around them. Yet new global data show that millions of young children are missing out on these everyday opportunities.
More than 80 million children aged 2 to 4 are not playing with caregivers at home, while around 90 million do not have access to playthings.
Closing the play gap means supporting families and caregivers with the time, information, encouragement, safe spaces and simple materials they need to make play part of daily life.
