On Wednesday 7 August, families, communities, childcare and youth settings will celebrate Playday across the UK.

The theme for this year’s campaign is:

Play – the culture of childhood
Supporting play, fun and friendships

This year’s theme celebrates the rich and lively culture of children’s play. Every child plays – playfulness is a distinct feature of behaviour across generations and cultures. Playing generates a culture of childhood.

Playing is vital for children’s health, happiness, and creativity. Through play:

  • children develop a sense of, and value for culture
  • cultural exploration is encouraged, fostering an appreciation for diversity
  • children work together, negotiate, and build relationships.
  • children feel connected to each other and their neighbourhoods
  • children create and pass on games, songs and stories.

Play is every child’s right – on Playday and every day.

Get involved

  • Share our survey for children and young people on their play/how they spend their free time. Every response matters and supports our work in advocating for the right to play. The survey is open to children and young people to 18 years and living in Northern Ireland. Our survey is now closed – read the Summary Report.
  • Download this year’s campaign poster and flyer.
  • We encourage you to reflect on and share your favourite play memories – the freedom you felt, the friends you made, and the fun you enjoyed. Help us shout about the power of play! Watch our play memories video.
  • Show your support for the Right to Play – print our flyer and share a selfie on social media on 7 August.
  • View our Play Activities page for ideas to get out and play. View our NEW Playful Playday Adventures.
  • Follow Playday on Facebook and X (Twitter) and share your plans on social media using the hashtags #Playday2024 and #PlayAndCulture, tag PlayBoard, or email info@playboard.org

Summer events

  • Armagh Summer in the City – 20 July to 7 September (12 – 4pm), Armagh city centre – Join Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council’s summer crew on Saturdays for a varied and fun programme with crafts, football, pom pom cheerleading, kiddie cooking, dance for the older kids, science, magic, and more. Find out more.
  • Wellness Wonderland Event – 24 July (10am – 1pm), Broadmeadow Pitch, Fermanagh Lakeland Forum, Enniskillen.
    PlayBoard is joining Mindwise for traditional family fun games. Register now.
  • Teddy Bears’ Picnic – 27 July (1 – 4pm), Grange Park, Omagh.
    Organised by Fermanagh & Omagh District Council, this free event will include storytelling, games, a bug hunt, face painting and lots more. Find out more.
  • Park Fest 2024 – 28 July (12 – 4pm), Connswater Greenway, Belfast. A day of family fun along the Connswater Greenway including sensory play, arts and crafts, games and activities. Organised by EastSide Early Learning Community and EastSide Partnership, PlayBoard will be in attendance on the day to deliver play activities linked to Archie’s Adventures, supporting children’s mental health and well-being. View poster.
  • Summer Fun Days – 1 August, Waterworks Park; 8 August, Sir Thomas & Lady Dixon Park; 15 August, Belmont Park, Belfast
    Free family summer fun days with Belfast City Council from 2 – 4pm with face-painting, balloon-modelling, summer crafts, lawn games, bouncy castles and entertainment. Find out more.
  • Celebrate Playday with Ards & North Down Borough Council – 7 August. Celebrate from 10am – 12pm at Londonderry Park, Newtownards (adjacent to play park); 10am – 1pm at Ballywalter Beach; 1pm – 3pm at Castle Park, Bangor (adjacent to North Down Museum). Free activities available – call in and join the fun!
  • Play Week – 7 August (6 – 8pm), Roe Mill Playing Fields, Limavady; 14 August (2 – 4pm), Megaw Park, Ballymoney. Join Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council on 7 August and 14 August for inclusive family play with disability bikes, community play equipment, archery, golf, boccia and football, along with Sensory Kids NI.
  • Love ABC Parks – 12 to 16 August, various locations. Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council have a range of free activities for all the family in parks and green spaces. Enjoy a forest school taster session, traditional playground games, nature activities, storytelling and crafts. Find out more and book an activity.
  • Park Life – July & August, various locations. Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council’s free fun summer programme runs in four parks with a range of activities including a Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Jurassic Adventures, Play Away Sensory Day and Messy Bug Ball. Find out more.

Find out more about Playday on the Playday website www.playday.org.uk