Celebrate National Play Day 2025: Discover the Power of Play and Join Us Across Bristol!
On Wednesday 6th August, children, families, and communities across the UK will come together to celebrate National Play Day 2025.
This year’s theme, Spaces for Play, highlights just how important it is for children and young people to have access to safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces where they can play freely, connect with others, and feel part of their community. Whether it’s a local park, community garden, play session or even your own garden – these spaces matter.
Bristol’s Playday will be Delivered in partnership between Bristol Play and Youth Alliance, Bristol City Council and with funding from Quartet, creating a special day dedicated to recognising the incredible power of play and the vital role it plays in the lives of children and young people.
Why Spaces for Play Matter
Children will play anywhere and everywhere – but not all children have equal access to quality spaces for play. That’s why this year’s theme is a call to action to protect and create spaces that:
Are inclusive and welcoming to children of all ages and abilities
Are safe, accessible, and filled with opportunities to explore and imagine
Maximise opportunities for play in schools, childcare, and youth settings
Are shaped by the voices, needs, and experiences of children and young people
Support fun, friendship, active play, and connection with nature
Bring communities together across generations through shared play experiences
Play isn’t just fun – it’s essential. It supports emotional wellbeing, boosts physical health, nurtures creativity, and builds a sense of belonging. Every child and young person deserves the time, space, freedom, and opportunity to play – every single day.
Join Us for Bristol’s National Play Day Celebrations!
This Playday, we’re bringing the power of play to life with exciting FREE sessions happening across the city – in North, East/Central, and South Bristol! These events are designed for children and families to explore, create, and connect through the joy of play.
🗓️ Wednesday 6th August
🕚 11am to 3pm
📍 Playday Locations:
Ardagh Community Trust (North Bristol) – BS6 7YL
Eastville Park (East/Central Bristol) – BS5 6QL
Redcatch Community Garden (South Bristol) – BS4 2RD
Each location will be buzzing with playful activities, creative workshops, nature-based experiences, storytelling, climbing, team games, and more! Whether you’re swinging from trees or building a den, there’s something for every child to reconnect with the magic of play.
The Power of Play – A Call to Action
Playday isn’t just a celebration – it’s a reminder that play matters every day. You can support the movement by:
Bringing your children to one of our free Playday events and letting them experience the joy of free play
Spreading the word about the importance of play and inclusive spaces in your community
Championing local play spaces – use this interactive map to discover and support activities near you
Getting inspired with ideas for home or community play:
Together, let’s create a Bristol where play is protected, celebrated, and prioritised – because play isn’t just an activity, it’s a right, a joy, and a powerful force for childhood and community.
Who We Are – Bristol Play and Youth Alliance
Bristol Play and Youth Alliance is a collective of over 40 organisations who work together to make sure that every child and young person in the city has access to high-quality play and youth services.
🌟 Our vision: A Bristol where all children and young people can thrive – and where the city is recognised as a leader in play and youth work.
🤝 Our ethos: Partnership and collaboration to create lasting impact.
🏗️ Our work: Supporting the present and building a resilient, playful future for all children.
