UN Declares June 11 as Inaugural International Day of Play

March 28, 2024 | The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution designating June 11 as the first-ever International Day of Play. The resolution recognizes the importance of play in promoting education, development, and the well-being of children around the world.

A coalition made up of The LEGO Group, The Mattel Children’s Foundation, Hasbro, Sesame Workshop, and other global organizations and companies successfully called on United Nations member states to pass the declaration.

The International Day of Play creates a unifying moment at global, national, and local levels to elevate the importance of play as central to children’s learning and well-being — ensuring time to play, space to play, and support for quality play is prioritized. The international awareness day signals a call for policies, training, and funding to get play integrated into education and community settings worldwide.

According to LEGO’s “Play Well Study 2024,” on average, three in five children would like to play more than they do now, while four in five children would like to play more with their parents or caregiver. The research also shows that eight in ten children say adults don't always think playing is important and seven in ten don’t believe adults take play — and how it can help them learn — seriously.

Click here for more information on The International Day of Play.