CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PLAY
Play is one of the most transformative forces in a child’s life. It’s how children explore and understand the world around them. It’s how they articulate their hopes and dreams, learn to communicate and interact with others, express their emotions, and grow into adulthood.
But not all children have the chance to play.
Global research shows that 78% of children say adults do not always think playing is important, and 73% of children don’t believe adults take play seriously. Poverty, conflict, displacement, and discrimination further limit children’s ability to play.
That’s why every year on June 11, people around the world celebrate the International Day of Play. It’s a day to bring people together to recognise the essential role of play and to encourage everyone to make space for play in children’s lives.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PLAY
In March 2024, the United Nations declared the International Day of Play, supported by 140 member states. Right To Play helped lead the global campaign, grounded in the belief that play is a fundamental right and essential to children’s learning and development.
Around the world, children are losing access to safe, joyful moments of play as conflict, disaster, poverty, gender inequality, and social exclusion increasingly shape their daily lives. These pressures disrupt childhood, limit learning, and heighten stress, especially for children who are displaced or facing trauma.
But play is one of the most effective ways children learn, cope with stress, and build skills to meet life’s challenges. As children face mounting learning loss and emotional distress due to conflict, displacement and the climate crisis, it’s more important than ever to push for play to be prioritized by governments and leaders worldwide.
How Does Play Transform Children's Lives?
Play is children's language. It's how they navigate the world, communicate their feelings and discover their strengths. In every stage of childhood, through to adolescence and beyond, play influences how children learn, heal, connect with others, and build skills that help them grow into capable adults.
When we nurture children’s growth with play, we help them build the confidence and strength they need to rise to today’s challenges and create positive change for the world around them.
Play makes learning joyful and meaningful, helping children stay motivated, retain information and feel actively engaged in their education.
It builds the foundational cognitive and social skills that support children's long-term academic success and love of learning.
Play offers children a sense of safety in the midst of conflict, displacement and trauma. It helps them cope with fear, anxiety and uncertainty.
Play restores emotional balance by giving children space to express themselves, build resilience and reconnect with hope.
Through play, children develop essential life skills like communication, problem-solving, emotional regulation and cooperation — abilities that help them navigate a complex and changing world.
These skills empower children to build confidence, strengthen relationships and realise their full potential.
“When girls play, they discover how strong they really are.”
Get involved for International Day of Play 2026
Join the movement with a play day and fundraiser and receive FREE resources to help your pupils learn about the benefits of play and the challenges around the world that deny children this basic opportunity.
Plus, let us know how you pledge to play and be in with a chance to win a FREE toys and games bundle for your school.
Amplify the message by sharing a photo or short video of what play means to you and tagging @righttoplayuk for a chance to be featured!
Bring together your family, workplace, or local community with a play session to celebrate the power of play in our daily lives.
Building a world where every child can play
For over 25 years, Right To Play has been a global leader in protecting, educating, and empowering children to rise above adversity through play.
We reach millions of children each year in some of the most difficult places on earth, helping them to stay in school and graduate, resist exploitation, overcome prejudice, heal from trauma, and develop the skills they need to thrive. We do this by harnessing play, one of the most fundamental forces in a child's life, to teach children the critical skills they need to dismantle barriers and embrace opportunities, in learning and in life
Messages from Supporters
Ade Adepitan, Ambassador for Right To Play UK, said: “I’m very excited to celebrate International Day of Play! Play is a powerful force in children’s lives and is absolutely essential to their development and wellbeing. However, so many children around the world face extreme challenges and are deprived of this basic right. This annual day devoted to play helps to raise awareness about the massive benefits of play and ensure that no child is left out.
“I’m proud to be an Ambassador for Right To Play, who are working tirelessly to make sure vulnerable children globally can access play and enjoy a better future.”
Konnie Huq, Presenter and Writer, said: “Too many children across the world are forced to grow up far too quickly. Poverty, child labour and exploitation mean that many are robbed of their childhoods altogether. This is why it’s important to mark International Day of Play and show support for Right To Play’s life-changing work. By harnessing play, this fantastic charity is helping vulnerable children to build confidence, develop critical life skills and enjoy a better tomorrow.”
Tristan Phipps said: “Play is often ignored, but it is fundamental to children’s learning and happiness. It has transformative benefits that help children overcome barriers and thrive. That’s why, on International Day of Play, I’m supporting Right To Play’s vital work helping children in some of the world’s most difficult places to claim their right to play and unlock their potential. Every child – no matter where they live – must have the right to play.”
Amber Ogunsanya-William, Play Consultant, Worker and Advocate, said: "Play is transformative! Growing up in an adventure playground, I experienced firsthand how play shapes lives, it’s where I discovered creativity, resilience, and the power of imagination. Play isn’t just about having fun; it’s about learning, connecting, and growing. It’s where friendships are built, confidence is gained, and the world feels full of possibilities. My childhood in an adventure playground shaped who I am today, and it's why I stand for the right to play for everyone! On this International Play Day, let's celebrate the freedom to explore, create, and dream, because play changes lives. Let’s champion play and build a future where everyone has the chance to experience its magic!"
PROMOTING WELL-BEING THROUGH PLAY
Play promotes feelings of well-being that ease stress, fear, and anxiety. In times of crisis, play helps children find a sense of normalcy and a path to recovery from grief and trauma.
When conflict in Ethiopia made its way into her community, Hayat was forced to abandon her home. After a harrowing journey that brought her to a refugee settlement, Hayat enrolled at the local school, where her Right To Play-trained teacher led play-based lessons that helped her catch up on learning, make friends, and process the trauma she experienced.
“I am happy when we play games; it relaxes me and helps me concentrate on my studies.” − Hayat, Grade 4 student, Ethiopia
NURTURING ESSENTIAL SKILLS THROUGH PLAY
Play is one of the best ways children learn to get along with and understand others. Communicating, solving problems, and regulating emotions come up naturally during play, equipping children to build strong relationships, manage stress, and channel their resilience to face a complex world.
