June 11, 2025

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Healthi Kids is joining the global celebration of the International Day of Play on Wednesday, June 11. This year’s theme, “Choose Play – Everyday,” reminds families and communities of the importance of making time to play every day.

To mark the occasion, Healthi Kids is launching new efforts to make play more accessible and fun for children and families across the Rochester area and beyond. This includes the start of the Western New York chapter of the International Play Association (IPA) and a new library-based program called PlayROCs: Anytime, Anywhere.

The new IPA chapter brings together parents, educators, researchers and community leaders from across the Rochester, Buffalo and Finger Lakes regions. Its goal is to protect and promote every child’s right to play. The chapter is co-led by Sharon Peck, Ph.D., a professor at SUNY Geneseo and Healthi Kids parent leader, and Lindsay Dzielski, a Buffalo-based parent and IPA USA board member known for hosting pop-up play days. Anyone interested in getting involved can email IPAWesternNY@gmail.com or visit ipausa.org.

This summer, Healthi Kids is also launching PlayROCs: Anytime, Anywhere — a new way for families to create their own play days with help from the Rochester Public Library. Families can check out free play kits from the Phillis Wheatley or Lincoln branches of the Rochester Public Library. The kits include games and activities like giant stacking blocks, card games, parachutes, flying discs, jump ropes, footballs and more. Each kit also includes a resource card filled with play ideas that can be used in backyards, parks or neighborhood spaces. Kits can also be requested through any city library branch using the library loan system.

To kick off the celebration, PlayROCs members will host free community play days on June 11 at several Rochester locations. Families are invited to stop by and join the fun at 121 Greeley Street (3 to 5 p.m.), Aberdeen Square (5 to 7 p.m.), and the Bronson Avenue Playground next to the Phillis Wheatley Library (2 to 6 p.m.).

Healthi Kids believes that play is not just fun — it helps children grow stronger, think creatively and build healthy relationships. By celebrating the International Day of Play, the team hopes more families will take time to play together, not just today, but every day.

To learn more about the International Day of Play, visit unicef.org/parenting/day-of-play or ipausa.org/international-day-of-play.