International Day of Play – Celebrating the Joy, Creativity & Belonging That Play Brings
11 June is now permanently stamped on the global calendar as the International Day of Play (IDOP)—a UN-recognised salute to every child’s right to play, learn and thrive. To mark the second IDOP, ATPA joined hands with partners worldwide to showcase the extraordinary impact of play and to shout, loud and clear: let kids play!
What Play Unlocks
- Resilience & Problem-Solving – Every make-believe challenge and block-tower collapse teaches kids to bounce back smarter.
- Sky-High Confidence – Tiny victories on the playground become lifelong “I can do this!” moments.
- Social Superpowers – Turn-taking, empathy and teamwork are first learned in the sandbox, not the boardroom.
- Limitless Creativity & Learning – Open-ended play fires imagination, sparks language, math and science curiosity, and keeps the mind hungry for more.
- Emotional Well-Being – Play is nature’s stress-buster, giving children a safe, joyful outlet to laugh, vent and recharge.
Spotlight on Singapore
On the 9th of June ATPA, Children’s Museum Singapore and Playeum celebrated IDOP in Singapore with a spectacular event. Some highlights included:
- A special address from H.E. Trần Phước Anh, Ambassador of Socialist Republic of Viet Nam—the nation that championed the UN resolution creating IDOP.
- A show-stopping keynote, “The Power of Play,” by educator-influencer Samantha Tan (@AskTeacherSam) and Playeum’s Charlotte Goh.
- Hands-on zones where kids (and adults!)
- Build the Change for World Play Day: Playful Cities in the Making by The LEGO Group X CMSG
- Beyond the Doh by Hasbro X Playeum
Diplomats, industry leaders, educators … and, most importantly, children proved that play transcends language, culture and age.
Happy International Day of Play!
#toyasia #toy_asia
#InternationalDayOfPlay
#RightToPlay #PlayEveryday
#AsiaToyAndPlayAssociation
#ChildDevelopment
#Inclusivity
#SafePlay
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