What were you doing on the 17th of May back in 2014? For us at Pop-Up Adventure Play, it was an exciting time to celebrate National Children’s Day in the UK, a pivotal event in global play advocacy. That year’s theme, “the Science and Magic of Play” resonated deeply with our mission to bring the joy and importance of play to communities worldwide.
National Children’s Day, established by the UN in 1954 and celebrated in the UK since 2013, offers an annual reminder of the critical role play has in children’s development and well-being. In addition to this, the UK also celebrates National Play Day every August – another fantastic opportunity to advocate for playwork and reconnect with the magic of childhood.
That year, we were also thrilled to embark on an exciting tour of Australia in February and March. Partnering with Malarkey, we explored the vibrant play scenes of Melbourne and beyond, connecting with new hosts and spreading the message of accessible play for all, further strengthening our commitment to global play advocacy.
While these events are now treasured memories, their spirit continues to inspire us. National Children’s Day and similar events remain vital opportunities to highlight play’s importance worldwide. We encourage everyone to check out upcoming play-focused events in their region, get involved, and help advocate for better play opportunities for children everywhere.
Don’t forget to sign up to our mailing list to receive our Pop-Ups in your Inbox newsletter. There are also loads of resources and information from our Pop-Up Adventure Play website.
By Morgan