2024 International Day of Play

  1. Updates

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted June 11 as the International Day of Play. This global celebration was established to champion and protect children’s right to play.

On this day, and throughout the year, adults and decision-makers are asked to:

  • Invest in kids’ right to play
  • Provide more opportunities for play
  • Protect safe and accessible play spaces
  • Respect the voices of play advocates
  • Support social skill development through play

“We did this because we believe every child can reach their full potential, with the time, space and access to play.”

Playworks joins the other founding organizations in uplifting kids’ fundamental right to play, and the many benefits that play can have for our children. Through play, kids can build resilience, develop confidence, form relationships, and practice many important life skills. By creating safe spaces and time for play, we can strengthen our communities, one child at a time.

Taking part in the International Day of Play can be as simple as making extra time to play on June 11. Get in the game in person, or participate online by sharing the play movement with your network.

Here are a few games that you can play anywhere, without any playground equipment needed!

Rock Paper Scissors Stretch

 

Beans on Toast

 

I See I See

 


Looking for more games to try on? Visit our free Game Library

Want to get your workplace involved? Download our free Work Play Balance Playbook for great games to play with adults.

Learn more about the International Day of Play

More Updates


October 14, 2026

Hasbro Expands Partnership with Playworks New England Across Greater Boston ›

New two-year commitment will expand access to play for up to 5,000 students daily and introduce a game-creation program focused on creativity, leadership and connection through play. Multimedia content available…

October 5, 2026

Get Ready to Reset Your Recess! ›

A new school year means a fresh start and we’re here to help you make recess a great one! This October, Playworks New England is launching a week-long virtual program…

kids and Playworks coaches
kids and Playworks coaches

October 1, 2026

Playworks New England Celebrates 20 Years of Energizing Education in Boston Public Schools ›

Leading regional nonprofit serves 7,000 students daily, leveraging recess to bring out the best in every child BOSTON – October 1, 2026 – Playworks New England, a leading nonprofit using…