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.

Get involved

Events

  • Ards & North Down Borough Council – Join the fun at National Playday on 5 August! Get ready for a fantastic day out at Millisle Play Area, Ballywalter Road. This in-person event is all about celebrating play and having a blast with family and friends. Come along to enjoy games, activities, and loads of laughter in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Don’t miss this chance to make some great memories and soak up the fun vibes. 10:30am-12:30pm Scooter session with Thunder Action, 12:30-2:30pm Beach and Nature activities, 2:30-4:30pm Games with Active Youth NI. For information and to book go to www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/national-play-day-with-ards-and-north-down-borough-council-millisle-tickets-1992415654858
  • Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council – PlayBoard is teaming up with the Council to deliver free Pop Up Playdays in Katesbridge on Tuesday 21 July (10:00am-12:00pm and 2:00-4:00pm) and Tuesday 28 July (10:00am-12:00pm and 2:00-4:00pm). Join us for outdoor fun! The sessions are open to children aged 4-11 from the Katesbridge area. Booking is essential and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. For information and to book go to https://getactiveabc.com/events/katesbridge.
    Celebrate Playday with ABC Council this summer and discover the power of play! As part of their Playday celebrations, the Council is offering a series of free, fun-filled play events at parks throughout the borough. Designed for children of primary school age, these sessions will provide exciting opportunities to explore the outdoors, get active, make new friends and enjoy creative, unstructured play in a safe and welcoming environment. Palace Demense, Armagh on 4 August, 10:00am-12:00pm or 2:00-4:00pm. Lurgan Park, 5 August, 10:00am-12:00pm or 2:00-4:00pm. Solitude Park, Banbridge, 6 August, 10:00am-12:00pm or 2:00-4:00pm. Book online at https://getactiveabc.com/events/national-playday-2026-events
  • Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council – Brighter Nights – FREE family fun in Lilian Bland Community Park, Glengormley. Bring the kids along on Friday nights for an evening filled with family fun while school is out for summer! Taking place from 6:30pm – 8:30pm on 31 July, 7, 15, 21, 28 August. Visit https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/events/2026/july/brighter-nights
  • Belfast City Council – Free Summer Fun Days throughout July and August. Taking place from 1pm to 4pm in Marrowbone Millennium Park on Thursday 23 July, Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park on Thursday 13 August, and Woodvale Park on Thursday 20 August. Children can enjoy free activities including face-painting, balloon-modelling, summer crafts, lawn games, bouncy castles, and walkabout entertainers. Visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/summerfundays. Belfast hosts this year’s Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann from 2 to 9 August with free and low-cost family events taking place throughout the week. Visit https://fleadhcheoil.ie.
  • Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council – Inclusive Family Events – Portrush Recreation Ground, 5 August, 1:00-3:00pm; Megaw Park, Ballymoney, 18 August, 1:00-3:00pm; Portrush Youth Centre, 20 August, 1:00-3:00pm. Free events for all the family. Enjoy various games, family activities including sensory play and inclusive cycling. Booking essential – go to https://causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/see-do/sports-development/active-summer-programme/council-inclusive-family-events. Stay & Play in Partnership with Mae Murray Foundation – inclusive events offering a range of activities designed for children with additional needs. These partnership events must be booked through Mae Murray Foundation (MMF), call 0300 600 1166. Tuesday 11th – 13th August, 10:30am-12:30pm, Stay and Play Kids, 7-13 years; 1:30-2:30pm, Stay and Play Tots, 0-6 years; 3:00-5:00pm, Stay and Play Teens, 14-18 years. Go to https://causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/see-do/sports-development/active-summer-programme/stay-play-in-partnership-with-mae-murray-foundation
  • Fermanagh & Omagh District Council – Teddy Bears’ Picnic on 25 July from 1.00pm to 4.00pm. Pack up your picnic and blankets, gather your family and friends, and don’t forget your favourite teddy bear for an afternoon packed with free entertainment, music, creativity and family fun. For further information visit www.fermanaghomagh.com/event/teddy-bears-picnic-2025
  • Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council – Get ready for a summer of fun with Park Life! Residents of all ages are invited to come together with family and friends to enjoy fun-filled weekends in four beautiful local parks. Park Life will be popping up in Wallace Park, Moira Demesne, Moat Park and Lough Moss Community Garden, with a fantastic mix of attractions including character-themed days, petting farms and performances from talented local musicians. Taking place across July and August, the programme promises plenty of opportunities to make the most of summer close to home. For details, visit www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/w/a-summer-of-fun-with-park-life-
  • Mid & East Antrim Borough Council – Super Fun Fridays – Wellington Court, Ballymena on 24 and 31 July, 11:00am-2:00pm. Ballymena’s Summer Fun Days return this year but they’re going SUPER! Visitors can enjoy all the usual favourites including giant games, face painting and special guest characters, alongside some exciting new additions including giant inflatable games and a few super surprises along the way. Find out more at www.shapedbyseaandstone.com/whats-on/ballymena-turns-400-and-were-going-super-p1074231. Free Natural Play session on Wednesday 5 August, 11:00am-1:00pm at Diamond Jubilee Wood, Whitehead. The session is suitable for the whole family and a great opportunity to explore the natural environment. While having fun you could pick up some bushcraft skills. To book, email play@midandeastantrim.gov.uk. For free Healthy Oceans Healthy Minds events including Rockpool Safari on 9 August and Beach Babbies on 11 August go to MEA Outdoors.

Playday is coordinated by PlayBoard, Play England, Play Scotland and Play Wales.