International Day of Play
The right to play, for every child.
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The very first International Day of Play is just around the corner on 11 June.
Are you ready?
Learn more out about this historic moment and how you can take part.
What is the International Day of Play?
The 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.
Why is play so important?
Play isn’t just fun, it’s fundamental to children’s development. Play creates powerful learning opportunities – intellectual, social, emotional and physical. Through play, children make connections with others, build leadership skills, develop resilience, navigate challenges and conquer their fears.
When is the International Day of Play?
The first ever International Day of Play will take place on 11 June 2024.
What’s planned?
There will be a special event at the UN headquarters in New York to mark the first International Day of Play. National events and online activities will be happening around the world.
What can I do?
You can take part right from home – 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 – everyday is an opportunity for playful moments!
Fulfilling every child's right to play
We are the first generation with the knowledge to finally ensure every child has the right to play fulfilled. There are many things that governments can do to ensure children enjoy the right to play.
UNICEF and UNESCO are calling on governments to prioritize four SDG-related outcomes most likely to fulfil the right to play and accelerate progress towards SDG targets:
- Universal access to evidence-based parenting programmes that promote attachment, playful parenting and buffer children from external shocks and prevent potential risks, such as excessive screen time.
- Universal access to quality, inclusive early childhood education, including learning through play, for children between three and six.
- Protection of public spaces and care environments from environmental and climate change, conflict, and urbanization.
- Integration of play-based teaching and learning practices into schools and other learning environments, including innovations.