Playday 2026

Playday occurs every year on the first Wednesday in August and is a campaign held to celebrate the importance of Play in children’s lives. The annual campaign encourages thousands of children across the UK to get involved in their local community events, be it at their local park or community centre, or you can even set up your own playday to get your community involved.

Playday is the national day for play in the UK, traditionally held on the first Wednesday in August. Playday 2026 will be celebrated on Wednesday the 2nd of August.

We are delighted to announce that the theme for this year’s Playday is …

Playing on a shoestring – making every day an adventure.

This year’s theme focuses on the everyday low-cost or no-cost play adventures that children can enjoy at home, in settings, and in our communities.

Play opportunities don’t need to involve expensive activities, costly toys, or trips to far-off destinations. It is often the simplest ideas, the free and found opportunities, which offer the most fun, and are the most developmentally beneficial for children and young people.

• Play is essential at all ages and stages of childhood, and is particularly important during times of crisis.
• Play helps children and young people make sense of the world around them, deal with challenges, and build resilience.
• Play is fun, enabling children and young people to make friends, blow off steam, and cope with stress and anxiety.
• Play is vital for children and young people’s health, happiness, and skills development including creativity, imagination, and sense of adventure.

Make this Playday, and every day, an adventure!

For the latest updates on this year’s campaign follow us on Facebook and Twitter and get involved using the hashtags #Playday2026 and #PlayingOnAShoestring.

Find out more about Playday.

Playday is coordinated by Play England, Play Wales, Play Scotland and PlayBoard Northern Ireland.