It’s International Day of Play! So, start playing (but read this first)

When was the last time you played?

Not worked. Not exercised. Not scrolled on your phone.

Played.

You know, tossing a football around with your friends. Or building the world’s best pillow fort with your kids. A game of Monopoly that goes from calm to competitive. Tag. Hide-and-seek. Charades. Marco Polo.

Whatever it was, you probably had fun. And you’re probably overdue to do it again, too.

Since today (June 11) is the United Nations (UN) International Day of Play, consider this permission to put the phone down, to turn off the TV and to go play.

Outside. Inside. With family or friends. Toys and games. Sports equipment and balls. It doesn’t matter. Just go play.

But if you are curious about the International Day of Play, and why it matters, then keep reading…and go play afterwards.

What is the International Day of Play?

Established in 2024, the International Day of Play focuses on the importance and power of play.

Children have a natural, inherent instinct to play. In fact, that instinct, like eating when hungry and drinking when thirsty, is so powerful that the UN has enshrined play as a fundamental right for all children worldwide.

But for millions of children, that instinct doesn’t always result in an opportunity to play because of things such as:

• Poverty
• Child labour
• Gender inequality
• Fragile contexts or unsafe environments
• Displacement due to climate change or conflict

Before continuing, imagine yourself as a child. Now, imagine the following:

• You have no time to play because you must work.
• You have nowhere to play because of war and violence.
• You have no chance to play because every moment is focused on survival.

A childhood without opportunities for safe play is a childhood with fewer opportunities for joy, discovery and connection.

The International Day of Play is a reminder that play, while carefree, needs to be protected as it’s a fundamental part of childhood.

It’s also something many adults could use more of.

• Can sports promote peace? For thousands of years, sports have been a tool to bring people together. Discover historical examples of sports and games helping people identify their commonalities instead of their differences.

Who would you be without play?

Not you, that’s for sure.

See, the wonderful thing about play is that it can be structured or spontaneous. Physical or mental. It can be done individually, in pairs or in groups. It can take minutes or hours.

Then, as quickly as someone tags you and says, “you’re it,” the benefits of play become apparent.

Mental benefits

• Play fuels curiosity, creativity and imagination. It inspires children to explore new ideas, solve problems and learn through trial and error. Play is a connection between mind and body. It helps children assess situations, make decisions and react in real time.

Social benefits

• Many friendships begin through play. A pickup soccer game. Cards around the kitchen table. Hopscotch at recess. Play teaches children how to communicate, collaborate and cooperate. It teaches children how to identify strengths in themselves and others.

Physical benefits

• When children play, they run. Or jump. Or climb. Or throw. Or catch. Over time, their coordination and fine motor skills improve. The more children play, the more they’ll want to play, and being healthy and active becomes a daily part of their lives.

Emotional benefits

• How to celebrate International Day of PlayPlay is where children laugh until their stomach hurts. It’s where they learn how to be polite in victory and gracious in defeat. It’s where they test their limits and overcome challenges. As they learn these vital skills, they also learn how to be confident and resilient.

Now, take those benefits away from children. Or from within you.

What do you end up with?

Less laughter. Less movement. Less connection. Less confidence.

Fewer opportunities to connect with others while discovering who you are, what you’re capable of and where you belong.

And without those things, what would you be today? Who would you be today?

How to celebrate International Day of Play

If play is so important, how can we make more room for it in our lives?

When explaining why play is important, Mr. Rogers said:

• “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.”

And American educator Julie Lythcott-Haims said:

• “Adults play too (or should).”

There’s been a noticeable decline in play over the years. Consider:

• Around 27 per cent of children regularly play outside of their homes… • …but when their grandparents were children, that figure was closer to 80 per cent.

Overall, children are also spending less time playing than previous generations. Hours of free play are being lost to increased screen time, packed schedules and even an “anti-play culture” that frowns upon play.

Play isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.

So, the best way to celebrate International Day of Play is to…go and play.

Set up a neighborhood baseball game that goes until sunset. Go climb a tree with your kids. Have a family board game night. Pull out every ball you can throw, catch, kick or shoot from your garage.

Just go play.

Help World Vision Canada support the right to play

World Vision Canada believes in the importance of play. For children—and adults—living in conflict or poverty, play can be a joyful respite. A reminder that play is a way children can happily express themselves.

On today, the International Day of Play, if you’d like to provide play—and all its benefits—to children and communities who could just use a little bit of fun, here’s how you can:

Give sports balls

• Soccer balls. Basketballs. Volleyballs. Give sports balls to support programs that encourage teamwork, community engagement and self-confidence.

Give sports equipment

• Nets and other sports equipment to help vulnerable children stay active and learn the value of teamwork and sharing.

Give educational toys and games

• Puzzles. Art supplies. Stuffed animals and more. Help stock children’s centres and spaces with fun, playful and imaginative toys and games.