International Day of Play 2026: Protect Play, Protect Childhood
On 11 June, schools, families and communities around the world will celebrate International Day of Play 2026. Established by the United Nations, this global day recognises something every child instinctively understands: play is not simply a way to pass the time – it is fundamental to healthy development, learning and wellbeing. This year's theme, "Protect Play, Protect Childhood", highlights the vital role that play has in helping children thrive.
In schools, play is far more than breaktime. It is how children explore movement, develop confidence, build relationships, solve problems and discover what their bodies are capable of achieving. Through purposeful play, children develop the foundations of physical literacy – the motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge and understanding needed to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activity throughout life.
Why Physical Literacy Matters
Physical literacy is at the heart of every positive movement experience. When children feel confident moving, they are more likely to participate in physical activity, enjoy sport and remain active throughout their lives.
Play provides the perfect environment for developing physical literacy because it encourages:
Exploration and creativity
Movement competence and coordination
Confidence and resilience
Communication and teamwork
Problem-solving and decision-making
Enjoyment and motivation to be active
Whether children are balancing on logs, creating games with friends or learning fundamental movement skills in PE, every playful experience contributes to their physical literacy journey.
Bringing Play into Physical Education
Quality PE lessons create opportunities for children to learn through movement and play. By providing engaging, inclusive and progressive experiences, schools can help every child build the confidence and competence they need to succeed.
The PE Pro platform supports teachers with curriculum-aligned lesson plans, assessment tools, professional development and thousands of activity videos designed to improve children's physical literacy and movement development. PE Pro helps schools deliver high-quality PE that is accessible, enjoyable and impactful for every learner.
Taking Play Beyond the Playground
International Day of Play is also a reminder that some of the richest learning experiences happen outdoors.
Outdoor environments provide endless opportunities for children to challenge themselves physically, collaborate with others and connect with nature. Outdoor learning encourages exploration, curiosity and adventure while supporting emotional wellbeing and resilience.
The Outdoor Pro platform helps schools deliver meaningful outdoor learning experiences through expert-led resources, step-by-step guidance and ready-to-use activities. Designed by outdoor education specialists, Outdoor Pro gives educators the confidence to create engaging learning opportunities that support both personal development and physical literacy.
Celebrating International Day of Play in Your School
This International Day of Play, consider creating opportunities for pupils to:
Participate in child-led games and activities
Explore outdoor learning environments
Develop teamwork through collaborative challenges
Experience movement in new and creative ways
Reflect on how being active makes them feel
Celebrate the joy of play without the pressure of competition
By prioritising play, we are helping children develop the confidence, competence and motivation to lead active, healthy lives.
A Call to Protect Play
As educators, we have a unique opportunity to champion every child's right to play. Through high-quality PE, outdoor learning and positive movement experiences, we can help children build the physical literacy skills that support lifelong participation in physical activity.
This International Day of Play, let's celebrate the power of movement, exploration and imagination. Let's protect play, protect childhood and create environments where every child can flourish.
To discover how your school can enhance physical literacy through PE and outdoor learning, explore PE Pro and Outdoor Pro.
