Latest news with #InternationalDayofPlay
West Australian
a day ago
- Health
- West Australian
Kelsie Prabawa-Sear: The UN's International Day of Play a reminder that play is the heartbeat of childhood
The UN's International Day of Play is almost here again and this year the theme is 'Choose play — every day.' It's interesting that the UN recognised the need for such a day considering play is what childhood is all about. Children don't need to be told to play. Given the time and space, they will naturally play. But for most kids (little and big) adults have become very stringent gatekeepers to their play, to the kids' detriment. This year's message is a gentle nudge to us all — parents, teachers, politicians, schools, and communities — play is the heartbeat of childhood, and we need to give kids the opportunity to play every single day. Play is essential to a healthy childhood. It's how kids learn, stretch their imagination, and work out how to navigate the world. Through play, they experience different roles, take risks, build resilience, make friends (and sometimes enemies), solve problems, and most importantly — they learn who they are. And in most cases, they don't need anything from us to do this, except the opportunity to play freely with other kids. In today's schedule-heavy, tech-heavy, results-driven world, kids have less and less opportunity for free play. More time spent sitting still, less autonomy, and less free time means less time for creative, unstructured fun. To be clear — play is not a break from learning — it is learning. It's where social skills, confidence and resilience are forged, tested and strengthened. The need for and benefits of play don't stop in Year four, or Year six, or even in high school. Kids do not grow out of play. The way they play and how it looks just changes. It might look like hanging out, mucking around, or even being an idiot in front of mates, but it's still play, and it is still vital to healthy development. Teen brains are wired for excitement and new experiences, and yes, risk, and outdoor (offline), unstructured (no adults), freedom is the opportunity they need. Without these opportunities every day, how do we expect them to stay connected (in real life), process big emotions (with the help of others), and explore who they are? That means giving kids and teens space to explore, create, and connect — without over-scheduling or supervising their every minute. And play isn't just good for the kids — it's a gift for parents too. When we jump in the pool, learn a dance, draw in chalk on the driveway, or just join in the silliness, we're doing more than having fun. We are strengthening bonds and building trust. We need to provide these opportunities when times are good, to set these patterns and normalise them, as they are vital to have in place when times are challenging. And times will be challenging, it's an inevitable part of life and our job as adults is not to prevent kids from experiencing challenges, but to help prepare them to be able to deal with them. So how do you start ensuring your child gets play every day? Start small. If it feels like there is no time, then check your screen time use and that of your kids. I'm sure there is at least 30 minutes of screen time that you could donate to having fun with your kids. With older kids, is there something that they are watching online that could led to real life fun or adventure? Or could one of Nature Play WA's digital play trails get you started? I find that something as simple as putting on music helps lighten the mood and bring us together. One crucial element for adults is to try to bring a playful mindset. When you manage to get some down time with your kids, try to use it to be connected and light-hearted. The kids will let you know if they need anything more than that. I know it's hard when you have a thousand things on your plate, but really, nothing is more impactful than our relationship with our kids (biological or otherwise). And choosing play is choosing joy, connection, and resilience. It's choosing to see childhood as a valuable and important time. And it's showing kids — of all ages — that they deserve time to be curious, silly, brave, and free. So, this International Day of Play, let's not just talk about it. Let's choose play — every day. It's one of the simplest, kindest choices we can make. Dr Kelsie Prabawa-Sear is the CEO of Nature Play
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Chuck E. Cheese Partners with The Toy Foundation™ to Celebrate International Day of Play
Family entertainment leader to offer free active play all day at participating locations June 11 Adventure Zone Active Play at Chuck E. Cheese IRVING, Texas, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chuck E. Cheese, the world's leading family entertainment fun center, is celebrating the power of play by partnering with The Toy Foundation™, which delivers play to millions of children when they need it most, for International Day of Play on June 11 with free active play all day and fundraisers. The partnership comes as the United Nations marks the second annual International Day of Play, established in 2024 to champion and protect every child's right to play as outlined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. On June 11, participating Chuck E. Cheese fun centers in the U.S., Canada, Chile, Colombia, Egypt, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Peru, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Trinidad & Tobago will offer free active play all day for all children under 56 inches tall in its new Adventure Zones, which include Trampoline Zones and Superhero Playground attractions, where available, with coupon found at Throughout the month of June, more than 400 Chuck E. Cheese locations across the U.S. and Canada will support The Toy Foundation's mission to deliver brand-new toys and play opportunities to children in need through a two-part fundraising campaign: A national fundraiser, June 9-12: Chuck E. Cheese will donate 20% of sales from guests who mention The Toy Foundation at the checkout in-store. A Round it Up campaign June 1-30: Guests will have the option to round up their purchase by donating $1, $3 or $5 in-store or online. 'At Chuck E. Cheese, we've built our legacy on creating fun, memorable play experiences for families for nearly 50 years,' said David McKillips, President and CEO of Chuck E. Cheese. 'Our partnership with The Toy Foundation™ extends our mission beyond our Fun Centers, and into communities where the power of play can truly transform lives. We believe Chuck E. Cheese is how the world celebrates childhood, and every child deserves the opportunity to play, learn and grow in a safe, supportive environment.' Proceeds from the fundraisers will help expand the reach and impact of The Toy Foundation™, which brings toys, games and play opportunities to children in hospitals, underserved communities and in crisis situations following natural or humanitarian disasters around the world. 'By partnering with Chuck E. Cheese to celebrate International Day of Play, The Toy Foundation™ can bring the power of play to even more children in need,' said Pamela Mastrota, executive director of The Toy Foundation. 'Their commitment to joyful play experiences aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver the vital benefits of play to children facing life's most difficult circumstances.' For more information about Chuck E. Cheese's partnership with The Toy Foundation™ and International Day of Play activities, visit About Chuck E. Cheese Chuck E. Cheese is the place where half a million happy birthdays are celebrated every year, with a mission to create positive, lifelong memories for families through fun, food and play. For over 47 years, Chuck E. Cheese has been the place Where A Kid Can Be A Kid®, and it continues to set the standard for family entertainment through interactive experiences, exciting arcade games and its beloved Chuck E. Cheese character. Committed to providing a fun, safe and inclusive environment, Chuck E. Cheese helps protect families through industry-leading programs such as Kid Check®. As a strong advocate for its local communities, Chuck E. Cheese has donated more than $24 million to schools and nonprofits through its fundraising programs. The Company and its franchisees operate a system of nearly 600 Chuck E. Cheese fun centers in 45 U.S. states and 17 foreign countries and territories. In PMQ's Pizza Power Report 2025, Chuck E. Cheese was named one of the top 10 pizza chains in the U.S. For more information, visit The Toy Foundation™ (TTF) is the philanthropic arm of The Toy Association and the toy industry. Its mission is to serve children in need by providing joy and comfort through the experience of toys and play. TTF delivers the benefits of play to children through strategic grantmaking, toy donations, and impactful programs like The Toy Chest and Play Fund. Through industry-wide engagement and strategic partnerships, TTF serves as a unifying force for collective philanthropy to benefit all children in need. For more information, visit Media Contact:Chuck E. CheeseKendra ByrdKendra@ 817-329-3257 The Toy FoundationKristin Morency Goldmankmorency@ 646.454.5582 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Black America Web
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
LEGO & Nike Unveil Global Multi-Year Partnership
Nike and the LEGO Group are collaborating to inspire children everywhere to embrace the joy of active and creative play. The two celebrated brands are launching their global multi-year partnership, which will combine the legendary sportswear company's iconic 'Just Do It' spirit with the imaginative power of LEGO bricks, with a sole mission of encouraging kids around the world to embrace play and sport. Spanning the upcoming months, kids in various cities around the globe will have the opportunity to enjoy immersive experiences, along with a comprehensive collection of products, including Nike footwear, apparel, accessories, and LEGO sets. Nike also announced that WNBA superstar, three-time MVP, and champion A'ja Wilson will also be involved in the partnership and will help 'engage kids through a reimagined world of play that will come to life across digital channels. More information will be announced in the upcoming weeks,' a press release reads. The company notes that more information on her involvement will be shared in the coming weeks. 'I have loved playing with LEGO bricks since I was a kid and know that my creativity and play helped me not only in sports but also at school and in life,' says Wilson, a Nike signature athlete. 'I'm thrilled to be part of this partnership with Nike and the LEGO Group and know we can help to make a positive impact with kids and adults alike.' Different Events Spanning The Globe In the coming months, Nike and LEGO Brand will bring play and fun to different communities around the globe with experiential activations that will surely blow kids' minds. From June 7-11, the latter, which has also been dubbed the International Day of Play by the United Nations, an effort backed by both Nike and LEGO Brand, the Nike and LEGO Play Arena will be open to the public at LEGOLAND California Resort. The basketball-themed experience will allow kids to design their own LEGO Minifigure athlete trading card, showcase their creative spirit by building a mini basketball jersey, and test their skills by shooting for the ultimate three-pointer. In Europe, as excitement for the upcoming FIFA World Cup builds, fans will have the opportunity to participate in a creative football experience from July 19–27 at Nike and the LEGO Group's activation in London. Nike employees globally will also have the opportunity to participate by taking part in various on-campus events with the sole mission of putting play back into sports. Global employees based at Nike's World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, can take training to become youth sport coaches and will put those newly acquired skills to use when Nike hosts kids from a local nonprofit organization for a day of sports as part of International Day of Play. Nike will also put its partnership with LEGO Brand on full display in China across Shanghai, Beijing, and other key cities with a series of co-branded community events and in-store displays and activations at the Shanghai House of Innovation. Dope Co-Branded Nike & LEGO Products On The Way It wouldn't be a Nike collaboration without any products involved. The first Nike-inspired LEGO product will go on sale on July 1, featuring a 1,180-piece LEGO Nike Dunk set designed for LEGO fans aged 10 and above. As for Nike products, the Nike Air Max DN x LEGO Collection, along with a line of apparel and accessories, will go on sale starting July 1. This will be followed by the Nike Dunk Low x LEGO Collection and additional items on September 1. The LEGO Nike Dunk set is now available for pre-order at and will be available for all at and LEGO Stores beginning July 1. Products will also be available through Nike channels, including select Nike stores worldwide and on The Nike Dunk Low x LEGO Collection and Nike Air Max DN x LEGO Collection will be available across Nike channels, including and select retail partners. For more photos, hit the gallery below. Nike & LEGO Kick Off Global Multi-Year Partnership, Will Feature Limited Edition Sneakers & Immersive Experiences was originally published on 1. Nike x LEGO Source:Lego Nike x LEGO nike,lego 2. Nike x LEGO Source:Lego Nike x LEGO nike,lego 3. Nike x LEGO Source:Lego Nike x LEGO nike,lego 4. Nike x LEGO Source:Lego Nike x LEGO nike,lego 5. Nike x LEGO Source:Lego Nike x LEGO nike,lego
Express Tribune
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
College hosts vibrant play fest
'Right To Play Pakistan' successfully hosted a Play Fest with vibrant celebrations at Islamabad College for Girls, F-6/2, in connection with the second annual International Day of Play to be held on June 11. The event brought together over 600 children and other stakeholders in a joyful and inclusive environment dedicated to highlighting the vital role of play in children's development. In Pakistan, more than 224 million children face barriers to play and education because of poverty, conflict, and climate-related crises. Recognised globally by the United Nations in 2024, the International Day of Play emphasises play as a fundamental right of every child under Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Play Fest 2025 showcased how play serves as a powerful tool for learning, emotional expression, cognitive growth, and social inclusion, especially for children attending government schools. Participants enthusiastically engaged in various activity zones that included physical games such as obstacle courses, relay races, tug-of-war, and sack races; creative activities like storytelling, face painting, drum circles, clay therapy, and theater; traditional games including pithoo, marbles, and hopscotch; and cognitive challenges with board games, puzzles, LEGO building blocks, and LUDO. A special play-themed quiz station further stimulated the children's minds.
USA Today
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
A global festival for children: LEGOLAND is celebrating the power of playtime
A global festival for children: LEGOLAND is celebrating the power of playtime Show Caption Hide Caption Legoland New York uses almost 100,000 bricks to build massive creation It took more than 95,000 Lego bricks to build this taste of Legoland New York. USA TODAY LEGOLAND is launching a new festival in May celebrating play, creativity, and imagination. The festival will feature five interactive zones, 49 new LEGO models, and a "Play Pact" initiative. The festival begins on May 3rd and runs for six weekends, culminating on International Day of Play on June 11th. Playtime at home is usually limited to just a few hours, but this May, LEGOLAND is launching a brand-new global festival celebrating all things play, creativity and imagination. The LEGO Festival event is "one huge rally cry to the power of play" for families and is meant to be a child's first festival, according to a news release. It is being held in partnership with LEGO Group and Merlin Entertainments' LEGOLAND Resorts at seven LEGOLAND Resorts across five countries. Playtime is about more than just having fun; it has been found to be critical for a child's development of social-emotional wellbeing along with cognitive and self-regulation skills, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. "As a first festival for Merlin Entertainments, we wanted to be sure LEGO Festival is a place for fun and memorable experiences for the entire family, where imaginations can run wild and creativity knows no limits," said Fiona Eastwood, CEO of Merlin Entertainments, in the release. "LEGO Festival will embody what LEGOLAND is all about - play as a way of life." For the festival, the resorts will transform into five interactive zones that encourage play and imagination in different ways – music, creativity, dance, gaming and chilling out. LEGOLAND will also introduce 49 new big build LEGO models designed to inspire play. Inclusivity at LEGOLAND: LEGOLAND parks are becoming more autism-friendly. Here's how and what guests can expect. "At the LEGO Group, we believe that play is essential for every child's development and happiness," said David Buxbaum, Senior Vice President, LEGO Brand Parks & Experiences at the LEGO Group. "This is an invitation to families around the world to come together and experience the transformative power of play in a fun and engaging environment. We can't wait to see children and families create lasting memories at LEGOLAND Resorts around the world.' What is LEGO Festival? It's supposed to be "the most epic reminder to keep playtime a priority," according to the release. Guests will start their journey with a unique photo opportunity, and children will be given a special festival lanyard to explore all five immersive zones. At the end of the day, they'll make a "Play Pact" to "always keep playing." For every pact, Merlin Entertainments and the LEGO Group promise to help underserved children and their families enjoy playtime at LEGOLAND Resorts as well. When is LEGO Festival? The festival begins on May 3 and runs for six weekends until culminating at International Day of Play – a day adopted by the United Nations in 2024 to recognize the benefits of play – on June 11. Where is LEGO Festival? The festival will take place at: LEGOLAND Billund LEGOLAND California LEGOLAND Deutschland LEGOLAND Florida LEGOLAND Korea LEGOLAND New York LEGOLAND Windsor How much is LEGO Festival? The cost to attend LEGO Festival is included with regular admission into the resorts.
