The Minister for Children, Disability, Equality and Integration, Roderic O’Gorman T.D., today announced National Play Day 2020 will take place on Saturday, 4th July under the theme of Playful Communities, Playful Homes.
Making the announcement, the Minister said:
‘Play is central to children’s wellbeing, learning and development. Now more than ever, there is a need for each of us to make time for play in our homes and in our communities. I welcome National Play Day 2020 and encourage people to take part, whether it is from your home or in your community.
Children’s lives have been turned upside down during this challenging time and hopefully National Play Day will be the beginning of children regaining a sense of normality.’
The aim of National Play Day is to promote play opportunities for children all across the country. Each year, the Department of Children and Youth Affairs works in collaboration with Local Authorities to implement a programme of activity to support National Play Day. This year National Play Day, with the theme of Playful Homes: Playful Communities, is being delivered under the broader Let’s Play Ireland campaign. Let’s Play Ireland has been running since April as part of the Government response to support children and families during COVID-19 restrictions. Simple but key messages about the importance of play provide the focus for the Let’s Play Ireland campaign: Play to Connect; Play to Have Fun; Play at least Once a Day.
Local Authorities are funded by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs to host initiatives to promote and celebrate National Play Day by creating playful opportunities for children all across the country.
Events which are taking place to celebrate National Play Day include: a disco and magic show which will take place in the gardens of Cavan County Museum; virtual circus skills classes and play packs being provided by Dublin City Council, play packs to be distributed to direct provision centres and targeted groups across the country, and many more.
Families should check with their Local Authority to see what great and fun ideas will take place in their area for National Play Day 2020 and also check out Gov.ie/letsplayireland to view the National Play Day video and further play ideas.