Date: Thursday, 11 June 2026; 3rd Annual Day.
Coordinators: UNICEF and UNESCO
Objectives:
International Day of Play is celebrated annually for the following purposes:
- To acknowledge and celebrate the vital role that play and recreational activities have in fostering the physical health and psychological well-being of children and youth, supporting their overall growth and development.
- To highlight the importance of play in nurturing essential and adaptable skills across all ages, including physical, social, cognitive, communication, and emotional competencies that are crucial for life.
- To emphasize the significance of play and recreation in encouraging creativity, imagination, self-confidence, self-efficacy, and a strong sense of responsibility.
- To promote awareness of the positive influence of play in fostering tolerance, resilience, social inclusion, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding within communities.
Inception:
The International Day of Play was first observed at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on June 11, 2024, marking the beginning of a global effort to champion the value of play for all.
History:
On March 25, 2024, the United Nations General Assembly officially established June 11 as the International Day of Play, to be celebrated annually, with the adoption of resolution A/RES/78/268. This day represents a pivotal step forward in global efforts to protect, encourage, and prioritize play, ensuring that everyone—especially children—benefits and reaches their fullest potential.
The resolution encourages all UN Member States, specialized agencies, organizations, and other relevant stakeholders—including civil society, the private sector, and academia—to observe the International Day of Play in meaningful ways. These activities should focus on education and raising awareness about the vital role of play in human development.
Annual theme in recent years:
2025 Theme: “Choose Play – Every Day.”
2024 Theme: “Play for All.”
Official website:
https://www.un.org/en/observances/international-day-of-play
