Benefits of play

Download benefits of play poster

Find out more about why play matters

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Youth mental health and play

The importance of playing, hanging out, relaxing and socialising for teenagers' mental health.
It’s time to go back to school

Play in schools and childcare settings
Low-cost play ideas for the summer holidays

Cheap and cheerful play ideas for children of all ages to enjoy
Playing on a shoestring

Let's make every day an adventure this summer!

Related

What your child or teenager might be telling you through their play
Gender friendly play
Supporting children's wellbeing through play

Playing and wellbeing
Getting involved in your child’s play
Children's right to play

Every child has the right to play. This page contains resources that can help your child learn about their right to play
How children play at different ages

Information and ideas about how children play from birth to teenage years
Different ways to play

Playing in a range of ways supports child development and helps them explore the world around them
Ideas for play – things to do

Ideas for everyday items that can be used for play and activities to play

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Ideas for play – things to do

Ideas for everyday items that can be used for play and activities to play
Playing on a shoestring

Let's make every day an adventure this summer!
“When I was your age”

New Playful Childhoods project
Top tips for dens at home
Easy games to play with a group of children
How children play at different ages

Information and ideas about how children play from birth to teenage years
35 indoor play ideas

Easy games for playing at home
How to support your child’s need for risky play

Why does my child like to take risks? Benefits of risky play and how to deal with your concerns as a parent
How to deal with construction and destruction play

Why does my child like to build and destroy things? Benefits of building and destruction play and tips on how to deal with your concerns as a parent
Supporting children's wellbeing through play

Playing and wellbeing