Play Week Aotearoa

What Is Play Week Aotearoa?

Play Week Aotearoa is a nationwide celebration led by Sport NZ that shines a spotlight on the importance of play in children’s lives. It’s all about reminding families, schools, and communities that play isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s how kids learn, grow, and connect.

Each year, Play Week encourages tamariki and whānau to make time for play in everyday life. You’ll often see community events popping up – from street play sessions to park adventures – all designed to get kids outside, having fun, and using their imagination.

The theme “Play Your Way” sums it up perfectly. There’s no right or wrong way to play. Whether it’s climbing trees, digging in the garden, splashing in puddles, or creating make-believe worlds in the lounge, every kind of play helps children develop confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

At its heart, Play Week Aotearoa is a gentle reminder to slow down, step back, and let kids lead the way – because that’s when the best kind of learning happens.

What Is Play?

Play is child-led, open-ended, and driven by curiosity. It’s when kids experiment, take risks, and explore their imagination – without needing a specific goal or adult direction. Through play, tamariki develop resilience, creativity, and problem-solving skills that will serve them for life.

Play gives children the chance to express themselves freely, test ideas, and connect with others in a safe, natural way.

Different Types of Play

Children benefit from all kinds of play, including:

• Physical play – climbing, running, balancing; builds coordination and strength.
• Creative play – drawing, role play, messy fun; boosts imagination and confidence.
• Social play – team games, pretend play; develops empathy and cooperation.
• Sensory and messy play – water, sand, mud and more; encourages focus and curiosity. Read more about the benefits of messy play here.
• Nature play – exploring outdoors; supports wellbeing and resilience.

Easy Play Ideas to Try

Here are some simple, low-cost ways to make play part of everyday life – indoors, outdoors, or anywhere in between:

Outdoor Fun

• Go on a nature scavenger hunt – look for leaves, feathers, or interesting stones.
• Set up a mud kitchen or use old pots and pans for pretend cooking.
• Try water play with buckets, funnels, and sponges on a sunny day.
• Build an obstacle course using what’s around – chalk lines, cones, or bits of wood.
• Have a backyard camping adventure – pitch a tent, tell stories, and toast marshmallows.
• Go puddle jumping in the rain – messy, fun, and full of laughter.

Indoor Fun

• Create a fort with blankets, chairs, and cushions.
• Try sensory play tubs using rice, pasta, or water beads.
• Play “shop,” “restaurant,” or “post office” – great for imagination and role play.
• Have a dance party – let the kids pick the songs!
• Make DIY instruments from boxes, jars, or tins and start a family band.
• Set up a colour sorting or matching game using everyday items.

Everyday Play

• Get kids involved in cooking or baking – mixing, pouring, and measuring are all learning moments.
• Let them help in the garden – digging, watering, and planting seeds.
• Turn chores into games – race to tidy up, or make folding washing a matching challenge.
• Encourage creative storytelling – one person starts a story, the next adds a line.
• Set aside regular screen-free “play time” where kids choose what to do.

For more ideas to keep kids busy, creative, and off-screens, check out our Blog.

A Little Reminder….

Play doesn’t have to be perfect or planned – it just needs time and space. Whether it’s indoors, outdoors, messy, or imaginative, play helps kids grow more confident, capable, and curious every day.

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