US Play Coalition

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.

We are gushing! As we review the 2026 post-conference evaluations, we are incredibly moved by the lovely testimonials from this year's attendees.

Thank you to all attendees who contributed feedback to our end-of-conference survey. Your insights are incredibly valuable as we plan, refine, and prepare for next year. We are committed to making the 2027 National Conference on the Value of Play the most impactful one yet!

Check out some of the 2026 testimonials below, and keep your eyes on this space for big announcements coming soon!

Parks are so much more than just recreational spaces—they are essential ecosystems where, through play, children learn, grow, and thrive!

Earlier this spring on Tuesday, April 21, the US Play Coalition and the Eppley Center for Parks and Public Lands brought their expertise to the forefront of the Indiana Parks and Recreation Association’s (IPRA) Early Childhood Summit. Eppley Center Director Clay Chafin teamed up with Early Childhood Center Director Dr. Katie Herron to present the keynote address, "The Power of Play: Bridging Developmental Science and Inclusive Park Design for Early Learners.” In their joint session, Chafin and Herron explored how intentional park design can be a catalyst for early childhood development, challenging attendees to view parks not just as recreational spaces, but as essential spaces where children learn and grow.

Dr. Kristy Anderson, Eppley Center Research Scientist and US Play Coalition program lead, also presented "The Research Lightning Lab: 15 Innovative Research Insights on Childhood Play.” In this fast-paced session, Anderson distilled 100 years of diverse and impactful research on play into 15 "lightning" takeaways. The team was thrilled to represent the Eppley Center and the US Play Coalition, and we look forward to a growing partnership with IPRA and the Early Childhood Summit.

Sponsor spotlight from our 2026 Platinum Sponsor: Play changes lives. It supports physical health, social connection, confidence and imagination. At the 2026 National Conference on the Value of Play, Landscape Structures Inc. was proud to join fellow advocates working to create more opportunities for meaningful play in every community.

One of the many highlights of the 2026 conference was honoring Dr. Peter Gray with the Joe L. Frost Award for Distinguished Research, an award supported by our colleagues at Clemson University.

It was a packed room on Wednesday, April 29 as Dr. Gray kicked off the research symposium with a Research Award Address, "Play & Restoring Childhood: How to
Free Children in an Age of Anxiety."

Thank you again Dr. Gray, for your decades of groundbreaking insights and your dedication to advocating for children's freedom to play.

Sponsor spotlight from our 2026 Gold Sponsor, Playground Grass by ForeverLawn:

Not all play equipment is created equal. Fuzzy Friends are designed with intention—supporting sensory needs, encouraging physical activity, and creating opportunities for social interaction. It’s a thoughtful addition that transforms traditional spaces into something much more meaningful for kids.

Meet all 4 of our Fuzzy Friends at https://playgroundgrass.com/Play-Solutions/Fuzzy-Friends/

📸 Conference photo dump because choosing just one highlight was not happening :)

We are still riding a post-conference high after an incredible few days surrounded by brilliant minds, endless inspiration, and plenty of fun! Swipe through for a glimpse of the action! "&" a huge thank you to everyone who joined us last week, shared their passion, and reminded us why play matters across the lifespan.

..and a thank you to Playfulli for these fantastic photos! 😍

The final day is upon us, but the energy is higher than ever! 🚀✨

So much "PLAY&" over the past three days. PLAY & learning, PLAY & growing, and of course PLAY& connecting with this phenomenal community at the 2026 National Conference on the Value of Play. We are squeezing every last drop of inspiration out of this final day!

Swipe through to see some of the magic from the past couple days! 📸 From breakthrough discussions to pure joy of play, these moments are exactly why we do what we do.

Did you miss the play party? Don't fret! Annoucements about the 2027 Conference will be speeding to your feed soon!

Today's the day!!! The 2026 National Conference on the Value of Play has launched ➡take a peek at this potpourri of play photos as we prepared for and launched this year's conference!