Playday is the national day for play, celebrated each year across the UK on the first Wednesday in August. Playday 2025 will be celebrated on Wednesday 6 August.
We are excited to announce that the theme for this year’s Playday is … Spaces for Play.
This year’s theme highlights the vital importance of accessible, inclusive spaces where children and young people have opportunities to play freely, spending time, and connecting with friends – and feel valued as part of their community. Children will play anywhere and everywhere, so access to quality playful spaces and places is essential for their happiness and development, offering opportunities to boost both physical health and emotional well-being.
This Playday, we’re calling for spaces for play that:
- Are inclusive and welcoming for children and young people of all ages and abilities.
- Provide accessible, safe, and playful spaces where children can play freely in their local community.
- Maximise opportunities for play in schools, childcare, and youth settings.
- Are shaped by the voices, needs, and experiences of children and young people themselves.
- Support play that promotes fun, friendship, being active, enjoying nature, and building a strong sense of belonging.
- Encourage families, carers, and communities to come together through play across generations.
Every child and young person has the right to play – and they deserve the time, space, freedom, and opportunity to do so, every day. This Playday, we encourage families, community leaders, planners, developers, and everyone who shapes children’s lives to champion better spaces for play. Together, we can create a more playful, inclusive world where all children can grow, thrive, and belong.
For the latest updates on this year’s campaign follow us on Facebook and X and get involved using the hashtags #Playday2025 and #SpacesForPlay.
Play is every child’s right – on Playday and every day.
Playday is coordinated by Play England, Play Wales, Play Scotland and PlayBoard Northern Ireland.