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Kids rule the roost at International Day of Play celebrations

On June 6, kids will rule the roost at a free, family event celebrating the UN International Day of Play (IDoP). Dartmouth’s Ferry Terminal Park will be transformed into a dynamic outdoor play space dedicated to fun, laughter and discovery.  Active games, open-ended play with loose parts, a fitness fun zone and special guests will offer plenty of choice for real world adventure.

The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution recognizing the IDoP in March 2024. Each year since then, IDoP has been commemorated in communities around the world including here in Nova Scotia.

For IDoP 2026, the UN has selected ‘protect play, protect childhood’ as a rallying theme. The case for play has never been more pressing. In a world of increasing urbanization, shrinking outdoor spaces, rising screen time, and structured schedules crowding out childhood, IDoP is a call to action: to defend and advocate for the time, space, and freedom every child needs to simply play.

What’s Happening at Dartmouth’s Ferry Terminal Park

The HRM IDoP Ad Hoc Committee — a group of volunteers that has organized local IDoP celebrations in HRM since 2024 — is once again bringing free, inclusive, and joyful play to HRM. From 11 AM to 2 PM on June 6 come to experience and participate in the following activities:

• Old Time Play — classic outdoor games including tug-of-war, sack races, hula hoops, skipping, bean bag toss, egg and spoon races and more — fun for all ages
• Loose Parts Play Zone — an open-ended creative space where children build, invent, and imagine using repurposed everyday materials
• Fitness Fun Zone — a NEW addition in 2026, featuring energetic movement stations and facilitated physical activity for children and families, encouraging active, healthy play
• Special Guests — Kite Makers from the Afghan Society of Halifax will be offering hands-on instruction for kites that kids can take home. Jacob Nussey, Canada’s own 2023 World Jump Rope Champion, will wow watchers with his rope jumping ability and lead the kids in some skipping games.

Community Resources

Recreation Nova Scotia offers an IDoP Community Activation Kit to support communities and organizations in planning their own IDoP events. The kit includes event planning guides, promotional materials, and activity ideas suitable for various age groups. These curated resources are available to download free of charge on the Recreation Nova Scotia website. The online materials can be helpful throughout the year for organizing community play events.

It Takes A Village

Support from the Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission team is making all the difference for this year’s fun-filled IDoP celebrations. Since the first event in 2024, numerous organizations have contributed generously through funding and in-kind support.

Thanks to everyone for helping to shine a light on play, childhood’s great adventure:

Active Kids Adventures; Afghan Society of Halifax; Alderney Market; Association of Early Childhood Educators of Nova Scotia; Build Nova Scotia; Canadian Tire (Dartmouth Crossing); Cobequid Consulting; CanadaPlays Association; Dalhousie University; Downtown Dartmouth Business Commission; Downtown Halifax Business Commission; Halifax Parks and Recreation / Halifax Regional Municipality; Halifax Public Libraries; HRM Mayor’s Office; Healthy Tomorrow Foundation; International Play Association – Canada; Leon’s (Burnside); Maxim Construction Inc.; Multicultural Playtime Society; Outdoor Play Canada; PlayGroundology; Province of Nova Scotia, Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage; Recreation Nova Scotia; SportChek (Dartmouth Crossing); World Litter Run; Youth Running Series.

Media Inquiries contacts:

Dalhousie University
Terry Murray-Arnold
902.495.0015
tmurraya@dal.ca

Alex Smith
Chair – IDoP 2026 Ad Hoc Committee
902-717-6535
smithalex@mac.com