What’s Britain’s Favourite Playground Game?
From hide and seek to skipping ropes and tag, some playground games never go out of style. We polled UK adults to find out the most beloved playground games of all time – many of which have been passed down through generations. Click around the map below to discover the best playground games in Britain!
THE BEST PLAYGROUND GAMES OF ALL TIME
Timeless classic playground games included marbles, hopscotch, British Bulldog, conkers, and the much-loved "What’s the Time, Mr Wolf?"
Other childhood favourites were playing with football stickers, yo-yos, Cat’s Cradle and Duck, Duck, Goose. Whether it was swingball, Top Trumps or ‘The Floor is Lava’, playing with friends was a cherished part of growing up for many of us.
Yet while play continues to bring joy to children across the UK, for millions of children around the world, play is still out of reach. Challenges such as conflict, poverty, child labour and early marriage all rob children of their opportunity to play.
“Every child should have access to the life-changing benefits of play. It is essential to children’s learning, development and well-being. Yet, many children are denied the chance to just be kids.” says Gillian McMahon, Executive Director of Right To Play UK.
“We are working to change this situation. Through our global programmes, we are reaching millions of vulnerable children each year in some of the most difficult places on earth. Using the power of play, we are helping children to stay in school, resist exploitation, overcome prejudice and heal from the trauma of war and displacement.”
PLAY AS A FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT FOR CHILDREN
Research shows that play is crucial for children’s cognitive, physical, emotional and social development. More than just being an enjoyable pastime, it supports their motor skills, language learning and problem-solving skills. It can even help children manage difficult emotions like stress and anxiety – and build their resilience to cope with life’s challenges.
However, despite the powerful benefits of play, our poll found that two-thirds (63%) of adults were unaware that international law recognises play as a fundamental right for every child.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child includes 54 articles recognising children’s civil, economic, political and social rights – including their right to play. Ratified by 196 countries, this convention is a legally binding agreement.
Yet, millions of children worldwide have been denied their opportunity to play due to conflict, displacement, poverty and discrimination.
Right To Play is working to bring play to the world’s most vulnerable children. By supporting our work, you can help us restore play and hope for children worldwide.
