Play Scotland promotes the annual Playday celebration which traditionally takes place on the first Wednesday in August every year. Thousands of children and families take part in events across the UK
Playday is the annual celebration of children’s right to play – a national campaign where children and young people get out and play at locally organised events.
As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives. Campaigning for play where you live can make a huge difference not only to local children and families, but to whole communities.
The 4 Nations sit on the Steering Group: Play Scotland, Play England, Play Wales and PlayBoard N.I. This is co-ordinated by Play England.
Anyone can host a Playday event. These events can be public or private, big or small. To find out how to host an event visit www.playday.org.uk
Play on the Longest Day, Scotland
In 2011, Play Scotland launched Play on the Longest Day, which will be held on 21 June each year. This enabled more schools, nurseries and childcare settings in Scotland to get in involved in Playday activities.
Who can organise a Playday event?
Anyone can organise a Playday event. Big or small, there are lots of different ways to celebrate Playday. Whether it’s a large community-wide event or a get-together with friends and family – find the way that suits you!
Playday events are often organised by play associations, local authorities, holiday playschemes, extended schools, children’s centres, nurseries, preschool playgroups, residents’ associations, community development workers, childminders, or simply someone who lives in locally and wants to give children and young people a special opportunity to play for the day.
- To help you plan your Playday in Scotland you can download a copy of our Planning your Playday in Scotland guide here
- 15 Top Play Tips to Get Out and Play
- 15 Top Play Tips to Get Out and Play for Under 3s
“Only 40% of today’s children would swap time in front of the TV or computer for outdoor play”
(Playday 2011 research)
Playday 2013
Playday 2013 will be held on Wednesday 7 August.
Past Playdays
- Playday 2012 - Get out and play!
- Playday in Scotland 2011 – ‘Play on the Longest Day’ 21 June
- Play on the longest day newsletter
Playday – Play on the Longest Day Poster
Playday – play on the longest day event registration form87% of adults believe that community fun days in public space helps children to play outside more in their local area”
- (Playday 2010 research)
- Playday 2011 – Playday
- Playday 2010 Research
- Playday 2010 opinion poll findings
- Making it our Place – communities talk about play
- Community Play – Literature Review
- Playday 2010 – Our Place
- Playday 2009 – Make Time!
- Playday 2008 – Give us a go!
- Playday 2007 – Our Streets too!