International Day of Play 2025 Date, Theme, Significance: Play is a universal language shared by people of all ages, regardless of nationality, culture, or socioeconomic status.
According to the UN estimates, 160 million children around the world are working instead of playing or learning, and about 41% of children have been told to stop playing out by either their parents or other adults, such as neighbours.
The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child formally affirmed it as a fundamental right under Article 31 for children to rest, leisure, and engage in play and recreational activities last year, in March 2024.
Building on this commitment, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution designating June 11 as the International Day of Play, marking a significant milestone which highlighted the crucial role of play in children’s healthy growth and well-being worldwide.
EXPRESS OPINION: If we let ourselves be led by children in play, could we rediscover simple joys?
The international day provides a unifying moment at the global, national, and local levels to highlight the necessity of play and policies, training, and funding to integrate play into education and community settings around the world.
This year, the day falls on a Wednesday, June 11, 2025, with the theme “Choose Play – Every Day”.
The theme serves as a reminder to all of us – governments, corporations, schools, and families – to make decisions that promote and value children’s play.
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UNICEF encourages individuals and groups to take part in the event by exchanging ideas, encouraging play-based activities, and spreading understanding about the benefits of play for children.
Play is essential for children’s growth, skills building and confidence. But too many are missing out.
This #InternationalDayofPlay, let’s all choose play – every day. Together, we can raise awareness for every child’s right to play.#EarlyMomentsMatterhttps://t.co/OvY3MDrxck
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) June 11, 2025
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