Play – here, there, everywhere!
Playday is the national day for play, celebrated each year across the UK on the first Wednesday in August. Playday 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday 5 August.
This year’s theme is: Play – here, there, everywhere
The theme highlights the importance of creating opportunities for children to play wherever they are. Play happens here, there and everywhere, from living rooms to school gates, to streets, parks, and neighbourhoods. It’s a part of children’s everyday life, and has a monumental impact on their happiness, health, and well-being. When children are supported to play in these everyday spaces, we help nurture positive outcomes and create communities where children can thrive.
This Playday, we are calling for all children to have access to:
- playful moments – small moments of play, at home and out and about, throughout the day can make a big difference to children’s everyday lives.
- everyday adventures – play doesn’t need to involve expensive activities, costly toys, or trips to far-off destinations, the simplest and free ideas are often the most fun.
- play their way around their neighbourhood – making everyday journeys, to school, nursery, shops or the park, more playful and child-friendly can be enjoyable for all.
- inclusive and welcoming environments – spaces and places where children of all ages and abilities feel they belong, will make a real difference to their enjoyment of play.
All children have the right to time, space and freedom to play – here, there and everywhere. This Playday, we are encouraging families, community leaders, play providers, childcare settings, and everyone working with children, to champion better spaces and opportunities for play, helping to create a more playful world where children can grow and thrive.
Follow Playday on Facebook and get involved using #Playday2026 and #PlayEverywhere
Playday is coordinated by PlayBoard, Play England, Play Scotland and Play Wales.
