This Thursday, Oct. 12 is World Play Day, a day where toy companies and families can embrace the importance of play. LEGO is celebrating the day with events around the world to get kids engaged in play.
“Play can supercharge a child’s future. Through play, children develop essential skills such as communication, confidence, teamwork, and creativity that enhance every other area of their development, learning, and growth,” says Dr. Sara Baker, Professor of Developmental Psychology and Education at the University of Cambridge. “Play doesn’t need to take up too much time, it can be as simple as singing a song on the way to school or making up a new ending to your favorite bedtime story together.”
In London, kids can take on the role of superhero at the LEGO Superpower Academy, a free event from Oct. 12-18 where kids can complete challenges and use their superpowers. Tickets will be available here. In New York, the recess bell will go off in Times Square and play spaces will pop up around the city for adults to play and take a break from their busy work days. Other play pop-ups will show up at Pitt Street Mall in Sydney, Australia; in Essen, Germany at Zeche Sollverein; at the Lotte Mall Suji in South Korea; and at the Taipei Performing Arts Center in Taiwan.
If kids don’t live near one of LEGO’s play areas, they can still take part in the World Play Day festivities! Select LEGO stores across Europe, North America, and China will have free play mission packs to hand out. Also, kids can play LEGO Superpower Academy at lego.com to earn the Play Hero badge or complete play missions on the LEGO Life app.
