National Play Day

The aim of National Play Day is to promote play and recreation opportunities for children and young people across the country. This year, Local Authorities can elect to have their Play Day between the 5th and 13th July.

The theme this year is The power of play. The power of play highlights the many benefits of play for children’s development, including physical, social, emotional and cognitive growth. It should raise awareness of the vital role that play does play in a child’s life. Promoting the power of play will present children with fun opportunities to explore, be creative and have wild adventures within their imagination.

Each year the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth provides funds for Local Authorities to engage in National Play Day. Each Local Authority across the country will shortly announce their plans for a diverse range of activities that are targeted at all children and young people in the respective Local Authorities communities for National Play Day 2025.