How will you celebrate the 2026 International Day of Play?

Theme this year: Protect Play, Protect Childhood

“While the resolution to designate a ’day of play’ marks an important milestone, we acknowledge that the real work lies in translating this symbolic gesture into meaningful action on the ground. Ensuring the meaningful celebration of this day requires sustained commitment and concerted efforts to address the underlying barriers to play faced by children worldwide.” – The International Day of Play Call to Action

Calling all schools, child care programs, Head Start, Preschools, Family Child Care, Nursery Schools, Pediatric Wards in Hospitals, Homeless Shelters, Domestic Violence Safe Houses, and Shelters, where children are present to use June 11, 2026 as a day of child initiated play, where children choose where to play, for how long, with who they want to play with, and can freely choose among a variety of materials or centers.

Please tell us how you will celebrate the International Day of Play. Use this form below to send us pictures and your story!

The United Nations International Day of Play is an annual event sponsored by the International Play Association and IPA USA.

Learn more about the efforts behind establishing this day, the contributing authors and organizations, and the Call to Action to help make play a reality around the globe by visiting InternationalDayofPlay.org.