Celebrating World Play Day: Why Play Matters For Everyone.
On 11th June, we celebrate World Play Day, a reminder of something so simple, so joyful, yet often overlooked in our busy, structured lives: play.
Play isn’t just a way to pass the time. It’s a lifeline for learning, connection, creativity, and wellbeing for children and adults alike. Whether it’s building with LEGO, climbing a tree, role-playing with action figures, or even dancing in the kitchen, play feeds something essential in all of us.
🧠 The Science of Play
Research shows that play boosts brain development, problem-solving skills, and emotional regulation in children. But it doesn’t stop there.
🔹 A study by the LEGO Foundation found that children who engage in frequent play-based learning show a 74% improvement in overall academic performance.
🔹 The American Academy of Pediatrics calls play “essential to development” and notes it helps reduce stress, anxiety, and even supports physical health.
🔹 For adults, play increases dopamine levels, improves cognitive flexibility, and reduces burnout. A playful mindset can even enhance productivity and resilience.
In short: Play isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
Play Is for Families, Too
In our fast-paced world, we often forget that play is also a powerful tool for family bonding. Shared play experiences build trust, communication, and unforgettable memories. And it doesn’t need to be complicated or cost a penny.
So this World Play Day, we invite you to pause the scroll, shut the laptop, and play together. Here’s how:
🎲 10 Simple Ways to Celebrate World Play Day as a Family:
LEGO Family Challenge
Give everyone the a set of bricks and a theme e.g. “Build your dream holiday” or “Create a new animal species” then share and celebrate your creations.Back Garden Obstacle Course
Use cones, chairs, ropes, or anything you can find! Add funny rules like “hop like a frog” or “carry a spoon with a potato.”Board Game Bonanza
Choose a favourite game or invent your own! Let the kids make up the rules and design the board.Creative Storytelling
Each person adds a sentence to a made-up story. Add costumes or props for a living room performance.Treasure Hunt Indoors or Out
Create clues, hide small treasures, and enjoy the adventure. Let kids take turns being the game master.Make Something Together
Build a fort, a cardboard robot, or bake biscuits in funny shapes. The process is the play.Old School Playground Games
Think hopscotch, hide and seek, or “What’s the time, Mr. Wolf?” simple, nostalgic fun.Try a Role Reversal Game
Let the kids be the parents for an hour with hilarious results! This builds empathy and gives kids a sense of agency.Dance Party
Turn up the tunes, wear silly hats, and just move together. Zero skill required.Gratitude Play Jar
Fill a jar with activities like “tell a joke,” “draw a happy memory,” or “build something that makes you smile.”
💛 Let’s Reclaim Play
Play is how children make sense of the world — and how adults can reconnect with what matters. It fuels creativity, curiosity, compassion, and joy. And in times of stress or disconnection, play can be the bridge that brings families back together.
So on this World Play Day, give yourself permission to be silly, curious, adventurous, and joyful. Because play isn’t just for children it’s for the child in all of us.
Now go build, bounce, laugh, chase, draw, dance, and dream together. 🧱🎨🕺💫
