US Play Coalition

Sponsor spotlight from 2026 Silver sponsor, PlayCore!

Earn free CEUs through PlayCore’s education sessions focused on creating research-driven, inclusive play environments that support learning, health, and community impact.

Gain practical insights with evidence-based strategies, expert perspectives, and real-world applications shaping the future of play.

Learn more: https://www.education.playcore.com/

🎉 THE BIG REVEAL IS HERE! 🎉
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that the 2027 National Conference on the Value of Play is on the move. We will see you in the great city of Indianapolis!

Save the date for April 20-22, 2027 at Indiana University Indianapolis.

Whether you're returning or joining us for the first time, this is the gathering for all those dedicated to championing play. Stay posted as we roll out registration, speaker proposals, and lodging information in the days to come.

Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands

Curious about the clues?
• Michigan = Michigan St. runs through the heart of the IU Indianapolis Campus
• Cubs = The IU Indianapolis mascot is the jaguar! (rawr!)
• 253 = Number of acres of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Home of the Indy 500
• Clifford the Big Red Dog = Author Norman Bidwell is an IU Indianapolis graduate
• 1836 = The Indianapolis Canal is built
• Canoe = IU Indianapolis’ big event is the regatta - a canoe race down the Indianapolis Canal!

The wait is almost over, folks! Tomorrow, we drop the curtain on our big announcement. Here’s one more clue to help shape your prediction if you want to submit your guess to our DMs: Canoe!

The countdown is officially on—just two more days! We are putting the finishing touches on our announcement, and you won’t want to miss it. Today’s clues are (1) Clifford the Big Red Dog and (2) 1836. Stay tuned and remember - if you DM us your announcement prediction and get it right, we’ll send you a prize!

We have some exciting news to share—in just three days! Can’t stand the anticipation? If you want a hint as to what it might be, today’s clues are (1) Michigan, (2) cubs (rawr!), and (3) 253. If you DM us your announcement prediction and get it right, we’ll send you a prize.

Sponsor Spotlight from our 2026 Platinum Sponsor, Landscape Structures Inc.: Play should be welcoming for every child. Landscape Structures was honored to support the conversation at the 2026 National Conference on the Value of Play around inclusive play spaces that help children of all abilities play, connect and belong.

Stay cool out there folks! With this heat wave across the eastern U.S., it is important to play and recreate safely. Be smart about when you are outside (10am-6pm is typically the hottest part of day), hydrate, listen to your body, make smart clothing choices, get good rest, and if possible, avoid helmets or sporting equipment that hold in heat. For more information, check out this useful PBS news article from a bit ago: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/6-tips-for-staying-safe-in-while-exercising-or-playing-in-extreme-heat

Sponsor Spotlight from 2026 Silver Sponsor, Musco Lighting! The best game-day experiences start with quality lighting.

Musco helps schools create safer, more reliable environments for athletes
and fans with lighting solutions designed to support play long after the sun
goes down.

Learn more: https://www.musco.com/show-light

Today, June 11 - The International Day of Play, we are thrilled to join a global movement to recognize the importance of play for all people.

This year’s theme is “Protect play, protect childhood.” Happy, healthy childhoods are built on the freedom to explore, imagine, and connect. By protecting time, space, and freedom to play, we protect the essential nature of childhood.

And - don't forget to make play for yourself today! Drop a comment below, tag a friend, and log some playful minutes.

Sponsor spotlight from 2026 Bronze sponsor, Earthscape Play!

Earthscape Play is a Canadian design-build firm specializing in the creation of bespoke timber playgrounds around the world.

We are designers, builders, and believers in the power of play. Our work is rooted in design excellence, quality, and a deep commitment to the people and places we serve. Every project tells a story that may evolve from the history, ecology, or character of its location.

As creative partners in a collaborative design process, we work to bring design concepts to life with inspired and innovative solutions. Our work balances placemaking, playability, safety, and inclusivity.

Project: Theodora Hotel, Denver, Colorado
A trauma-informed playground that serves as a beacon of hope, growth, and transformation for families transitioning out of homelessness.