We celebrate International Day of Play with Nature Play QLD and discover how outdoor play helps build resilience, empathy, and creativity in kids.
It’s International Day of Play on June 11th 2025. This special day highlights the vital role that play has in the healthy development of children, fostering resilience, creativity, and empathy. However, the recent Royal Children’s Hospital National Child Health Poll showed less than half (45%) of Australian children play outdoors most days.
As children spend more time indoors and on screens, Nature Play Queensland is calling on families, educators, and communities to prioritise outdoor, unstructured play in natural settings to nurture well-rounded, caring, and resilient young people.
“Play is not just a way for children to have fun; it is the foundation for building resilience and empathy,” said Tony Burns OAM, Chair of the Board at Nature Play Queensland. When children engage with nature and each other through play, they develop problem-solving skills, emotional strength, and a deep sense of connection to their community and environment. These qualities are essential for raising the next generation of compassionate and adaptable leaders.”
Group of kids watching the sunset on the beach. Credit: Nature Play QLD.
Nature Play Queensland encourages families to celebrate International Day of Play by:
- Spending time outdoors in local parks, beaches, or bushland
- Encouraging children to explore, imagine, and create through unstructured play
- Reducing screen time and fostering social interaction through group play activities
- Supporting schools and community groups to incorporate nature-based play into their programs
“In today’s fast-paced world, play offers a vital pause, a chance for children to recharge, learn, and grow in ways that no other activity can replicate,” added Mr Burns. “By championing play, we are investing in the future wellbeing of our children and our society.”
For more information on how to get involved and resources to support play, visit the Nature Play Queensland website.
About Nature Play Queensland
Nature Play Queensland is a leading non-profit organisation dedicated to reconnecting children with nature through play. They advocate for safe, accessible natural play spaces and provide resources to families, educators, and communities to support healthy child development through outdoor play.
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