Playday on a shoestring

It’s easy to celebrate Playday – it doesn’t matter whether your plans are big or small, what’s most important is that children and young people get the opportunity to get out to play for the day, and that collectively we highlight the importance of play in children’s lives.

Playday events can be all shapes and sizes. Celebrations range from jubilee-style street parties, festivals in parks or village greens, mass adventures in woodlands and parklands, to public events at community venues and back-garden play dates.

If you can’t manage to hold a community-wide event, don’t worry, the great thing about play is that it’s free! Whether you’re a play setting, community group, childminder, family, or group of friends, here are some simple ideas to help you celebrate Playday on a shoestring:

Blankets + chairs
= great for making tents and dens

Water + washing-up liquid + tarpaulin
= homemade water slide madness!

Water balloons + super soaker water guns
= the great neighbourhood water fight!

Large piece of rope = a tug-of-war challenge

Bags of sand + buckets = who says the beach can’t come to you?

Hula hoops + skipping ropes + balls = always a child pleaser

Picnic treats = food to fuel creative energy

And don’t forget the kids!

If you have any tips or ideas to create a Playday celebration on a shoestring, why not post them on Playday’s Facebook page?