Bright Horizons Centers Celebrate the Power of Play in Honor of International Day of Play

children playing

June 12, 2025 – International Day of Play is an annual celebration that raises awareness about how important play is to every child’s development. The day was initially created as a campaign by the LEGO Group and the LEGO Foundation but was recently adopted and designated as an official day by the United Nations General Assembly. 

On International Day of Play this year, over 200 Bright Horizons’ centers nationwide participated in a ‘Day of Play at Bright Horizons’ to celebrate the power of play. Families were invited to join their children in play-based learning activities that highlight Bright Horizons’ Discovery Driven Learning® approach. The Discovery Driven Learning® framework ensures that the joy of childhood is prioritized and predominant in each center classroom.

“Play is essential for a child’s development and growth,” said Bright Horizons Chief Academic Officer Rachel Robertson. “It’s where they discover who they are and what they are capable of, it’s where they make connections and experience aha moments in trial and error, it’s where they learn.”

‘Day of Play’ activities included exploring colors through painting, dress up, and STEM activities like press and catch and “Can it spin?. Parents were also given tips on how to work play into daily life at home. A few tips included scheduling 15 minutes of ‘micro play’ after a meal or before school and turning bath time into playtime. 

To learn more about Bright Horizons’ curriculum and Discovery Driven Learning® approach, visit here.