2026 Theme: Protect play, protect childhood
The theme for this year’s International Day of Play is “Protect play, protect childhood”. The theme is a reminder for all of us – governments, businesses, schools and families – that happy and healthy childhoods are built on play.
International Day of Play is a time to celebrate the power of play. A time to come together and make sure that every child is able to fulfil their right to play.
Become a play advocate
Around 1 in 5 children aged 2-4 years do not play with their caregivers at home.
Play is essential for every child’s development and well-being. This free UNICEF course aims to equip parents, teachers and policymakers with the knowledge to champion play as a right for all children.
By thinking differently about play and understanding its importance, we hope you will join us in advocating for play, helping to create opportunities for children everywhere to grow and thrive in safe and nurturing environments.
Check out these websites promoting the International Day of Play
- United Nations
- Unicef
- Right to Play
- Early Childhood Australia
- Play Active
- Lego
- and many more …
We know young carers put caring ahead of play time.
Help reconnect young carers to the joy of childhood now.