Playday is the national day for play across the UK. On the first Wednesday in August, thousands of children, families, and communities go out to play.

Playday 2026: Play – here, there, everywhere

This year's theme is Play – here, there, everywhere, highlighting the importance of creating opportunities for children to play wherever they are. When children are supported to play in everyday spaces, we help nurture positive outcomes and create communities where children can thrive.

• P is for playful everyday moments - embracing a playful attitude can help make life more fun and make every day an adventure! Build playful moments into everyday tasks and routines, such as playing I Spy on car journeys or scavenger hunts whilst out walking.
• L is for look for play all around - children can and do play everywhere and anywhere. Get to know your neighbourhood and look out for playful opportunities every day, such as jumping over cracks in the pavement, counting colourful front doors, drawing a colourful map of your local area, or finding shapes in the clouds.
• A is for adventures in the everyday - simple, low-cost ideas are often the most fun. Unstructured, unplanned play can bring excitement and adventure to everyday life, encouraging imagination, creativity, problem-solving, and resilience.
• Y is for your imagination - there is no right or wrong way to play. Children are play experts so follow their lead. Let children explore, create, and try out new ideas. Make time for play every day.
• D is for discover something new - give children the opportunity to try different types of play such as messy play, creative play, dramatic play or sensory play.
• A is for awe and wonder in nature - turn off screens and prioritise time for outdoor play. On a walk, bring along a bag to collect natural resources for arts and crafts, explore your surroundings with a magnifying glass, or follow a scavenger hunt or treasure map.
• Y is for YOU CHOOSE - be your child’s play champion by giving them the time, space, and permission to play. Encourage independence and let them make their own play choices.

Playday is coordinated by PlayBoard NI, Play England, Play Scotland, and Play Wales. https://playday2026.blog