Media Releases and Opportunities

Dalhousie Partners with Groups Across Nova Scotia to Celebrate International Day of Play with Province-wide Events & Resources

Thursday, June 29, 2025 (HALIFAX, NS) - On June 11, 2025, communities across Nova Scotia will join the global celebration of the United Nation’s International Day of Play (IDoP)emphasizing the fundamental role of play in child development and well-being. IDoP highlights play as a universal right and a cornerstone for healthy childhoods.

The theme for the 2025 IDop is “Choose Play – Every Day”. The theme is a reminder for all of us—governments, businesses, schools and families— to take decisions that embrace and prioritize play for children and kids of all ages.

Key Halifax and Nova Scotia events include:

• June 2: The Halifax Regional Municipality will host a flag-raising ceremony at 12:00 noon at Halifax Grand Parade, officially proclaiming June 11 as the International Day of Play.
• June 7: The Loose Parts Play-a-Palooza event and Multicultural Playtime Societygames and culture from around the world will be held between 1-3 pm at the Halifax Peace and Friendship Park in downtown Halifax.
• June 8: The Halifax Waterfront will transform into a vibrant Old Time Play Zone and will host the Multicultural Playtime Society games and culture from around the world between 1-3 pm. Join in boardwalk games, tug-of-war, parachute play, Hoola Hoop fun, multicultural games and more! 
• June 11: International Day of Play events in communities across Nova Scotia!

Recreation Nova Scotia has developed a FREE IDoP Community Activation Kit to support local 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.

Collaborating Organizations

The 2025 IDoP events and resources are made possible through a collaboration of many organizations, including Canada Plays Association, Recreation Nova Scotia, in addition to support from the Downtown Halifax Business Commission’s Event Sponsorship Program. IDoP also recognizes the support of the Province of Nova Scotia through the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage. We are pleased to work in partnership with the Province of Nova Scotia to develop and promote opportunities for play for all Nova Scotians.

IDoP 2025 is also brought to you by Active Kids Adventures, the Association of Early Childhood Educators of Nova Scotia, Build Nova Scotia, Dalhousie University, Dartmouth Downtown Business Commission, Discover Halifax, Halifax Parks and Recreation, Halifax Regional Municipality, Healthy Tomorrow Foundation, Multicultural Playtime Society, PlayGroundology, and World Litter Run.

For more information and to access the Community Activation Kit, visit Recreation Nova Scotia's IDoP page. Use #IDoP2025, #IDoP2025NovaScotia, and #nsplays. Share your play-filled moments online! Choose Play – everyday!

SUPPORTING STATEMENTS:

Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health for Nova Scotia:
"Play is essential for the physical, mental, and social development of children. Engaging in regular play activities fosters resilience, encourages creativity, and builds strong community connections. Supporting initiatives like the International Day of Play is vital for the well-being of our children and youth."

Graham Mounsey, Executive Director of Recreation Nova Scotia:
“This month we celebrate June is Recreation and Parks Month alongside The International Day of Play. This is a time to celebrate and recognise the joy, connection, and wellbeing that play brings to people of all ages. At Recreation Nova Scotia, we are proud to support inclusive, engaging opportunities for play in communities across the province whether in parks, programs, or community spaces.”

Dr. Sara Kirk, Professor of Health Promotion, School of Health and Human Performance, Dalhousie University:
"Play is one of the most powerful tools we have to support the health and well-being of children. It promotes physical activity, enhances mental health, and builds the foundations of lifelong health. The International Day of Play reminds us that play isn’t optional—it’s essential."

Alex Smith, Lead, Canada Plays Association:
“Public spaces that are welcoming and suitable for play make for stronger, healthier communities and happier children. Celebrating the UN’s International Day of Play helps issues related to children’s play resonate more broadly. Play is childhood’s great adventure and an important contributor to overall well-being. “  

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Media Contacts:
For media inquiries, event partnerships, or questions about the IDoP 2025:

Robyn Morris
Digital Media & Communications Manager
Recreation Nova Scotia
Email: communications@recreationns.ns.ca
Phone: 902-425-1128

Lindsay Dowling-Savelle
Media Relations Manager
Dalhousie University
Email: lindsay.savelle@dal.ca
Phone: 902-222-8810

Alex Smith
Canada Plays Association
Email:  smithalex@mac.com
Phone: 902-717-6535