Take Your Parents To The Playground Day – May. 16, 2027

Take Your Parents To The Playground Day
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Tags:
ActivitiesFamilyParents
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Third Sunday of May
Holiday emoji:
🤸

Take Your Parents To The Playground Day swings into action every third Sunday of May, a perfect opportunity for kids to invite their grown-ups to their ‘office’ – the playground! This day highlights the importance of outdoor play for child development and strengthens family bonds. Get outside, climb, slide, and rediscover the joy of shared adventure!

Want to sponsor Take Your Parents To The Playground Day? Learn how

Expected Take Your Parents To The Playground Day Deals

While we await official 2027 promotions, history shows that retailers often offer deals on outdoor gear and family-friendly activities. Look for discounts on activewear from brands like REI and Dick’s Sporting Goods, or special offers on kids’ shoes from Stride Rite. Family restaurant chains such as McDonald’s with play places might feature meal deals. Local parks and recreation departments could host free family events or offer reduced rates on summer programs. Even snack brands like Goldfish might run promotions for picnic-perfect treats. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as May 16 approaches.

Platform Guide for Take Your Parents To The Playground Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #TakeParentsToPlaygroundDay. Share vibrant photos and reels of your family’s playground adventures, highlighting joyful moments.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #TakeParentsToPlaygroundDay. Create short, fun videos of parents attempting playground challenges or kids teaching their parents how to swing.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #TakeParentsToPlaygroundDay. Organize a community playground meetup or share tips for making outdoor play exciting.

Social Media Tips for Take Your Parents To The Playground Day

Individuals

Pack a picnic, gather your kids, and head to your local playground. Document your family's laughter and active moments, sharing the simple joy of outdoor play.

Creators

Develop content showcasing creative playground games for all ages, or review different playgrounds in your area, highlighting their unique features for families.

Brands

Outdoor gear companies can run contests for the best family playground photo, while local businesses can sponsor community playground clean-ups or family activity days.

Top Brands for Take Your Parents To The Playground Day

  1. REI

    Founded in 1938 by a group of 23 mountain climbing friends, Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) is a leading American retail and outdoor recreation services corporation. They offer a wide range of gear and apparel for outdoor activities, encouraging families to explore nature together.

  2. Dick's Sporting Goods

    Established in 1948 by Richard 'Dick' Stack, Dick's Sporting Goods is one of the largest sporting goods retailers in the United States. They provide equipment for various sports and outdoor play, making active lifestyles accessible for families.

  3. McDonald's

    Founded in 1940 by Richard and Maurice McDonald, and later expanded by Ray Kroc, McDonald's is a global fast-food chain. Many locations feature 'PlayPlaces,' offering children a fun and active environment alongside their meals, making it a popular family destination.

  4. Stride Rite

    With a history dating back to 1919, Stride Rite is a well-known American brand specializing in children's footwear. They focus on designing comfortable and supportive shoes for active kids, perfect for running, climbing, and playing on the playground.

  5. Fisher-Price

    Founded in 1930 by Herman Fisher, Irving Price, Helen Schelle, and Margaret Evans-Price, Fisher-Price is an American company that produces toys for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. They are known for their durable and imaginative play equipment, including many items found in playgrounds.

  6. National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)

    The NRPA is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing parks, recreation, and conservation. Founded in 1965, they advocate for the importance of public parks and green spaces, which are vital for community health and childhood play.

  7. Goldfish Crackers

    Introduced to the U.S. market by Pepperidge Farm in 1958, Goldfish crackers are a popular snack, especially among children. Their fun shape and savory taste make them a perfect, easy-to-pack treat for family outings to the playground.

Take Your Parents To The Playground Day Hero

Dr. Stuart Brown

Dr. Stuart Brown is a physician, psychiatrist, and founder of the National Institute for Play. His extensive research on the importance of play in human development, from childhood through adulthood, has profoundly influenced our understanding of its benefits. Dr. Brown advocates for integrating play into daily life to foster creativity, resilience, and strong social bonds, making him a fitting figure to champion the spirit of this holiday.

History of Take Your Parents To The Playground Day

Throughout history, children have played outdoors in their neighborhoods, on streets, and in parks. However, the concept of playgrounds only emerged in the 1800s.

The super fun Take Your Parents To The Playground Day was founded on April 4, 2009, by PDPlay’s president John Ogden. He said that “The future of play is rooted in the past. We created this day for outdoor play to motivate children and their parents to get outside for some old-fashioned fun at the local playground, the park, or even in their backyard.” It’s associated with Children & Nature Awareness Month, which was established by the Children & Nature Network (C&NN) to highlight the importance of children experiencing outdoor play in natural surroundings.

The day motivates children to go outdoors and take their parents along to the playground. Outdoor play boosts the physical and mental development and well-being of a child and even helps parents catch a breather from their daily lives. Outdoor play not only helps to stimulate a child’s imagination but also strengthens their focus and attention and develops strong muscles and bones. Moreover, going to the playground with parents and engaging in activities helps to create a strong bond between families. Professionals even state that the social skills that children develop on the playground can become lifelong skills that will be carried forward into their adult lives.

This day is a great opportunity for children to take their parents out and just be themselves and enjoy some much-needed fresh air.

Take Your Parents To The Playground Day timeline

1848
First Sketch of a Playground

Henry Barnard produces the first sketched concept of a playground that features a large shaded area with teachers looking at children playing with wooden blocks, toy carts, and two rotary swings.

1859
The First Playground

The first playground is built in Manchester, England based on an idea that originated in Germany.

1887
The First American Playground

The first American playground that consists of swings, slides, and a carousel opens in San Francisco at Golden Gate Park.

1906
Playground Association of America

The official Playground Association of America is formed to promote the idea of playgrounds to Americans.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Take Your Parents To The Playground Day

Local businesses can embrace Take Your Parents To The Playground Day by fostering community and active play. Toy stores might host ‘playground prep’ workshops, offering tips on safe play and demonstrating new outdoor toys. Family-friendly restaurants could offer ‘Kids Eat Free’ deals for families visiting a local park. Additionally, local parks and recreation departments can organize special family play days with guided activities, encouraging parents and children to engage together and explore their local green spaces.

Take Your Parents To The Playground Day FAQs

When is Take Your Parents To The Playground Day?

For 2027, this special day is observed on Sunday, May 16. This annual event encourages parents to join their children in the joyful, imaginative world of the playground, fostering connection and active play.

How important is outdoor play for children?

Engaging in outdoor play provides immense benefits, from improving cardiovascular health and strengthening muscles to developing problem-solving skills and social interaction. It also helps children connect with nature and build confidence in their physical abilities.

How many playgrounds are there in the U.S.?

The U.S. boasts a vast network of playgrounds, ranging from small neighborhood parks to expansive adventure zones. Organizations like the National Recreation and Park Association continually work to ensure these spaces are safe, inclusive, and abundant for all children.

What are the benefits of parents playing with their children?

Engaging in play with parents offers children a sense of security and belonging, while also boosting their self-esteem. For parents, it’s an opportunity to de-stress, create lasting memories, and actively participate in their child’s developmental milestones.

How To Celebrate Take Your Parents To The Playground Day

  1. Go to a playground

    What better way to celebrate Take Your Parents To The Playground Day than by going to the playground? Head to your nearby playground, bring some friends and their parents, indulge in some fun games and food, swing and slide, and just let your inner child out in all its glory.

  2. Head to the state park or backyard

    If you don’t have access to a playground nearby, it’s okay! You can go for a hike to a state park and enjoy it just as much. You can even make your backyard your playground and spend all day there. Set up a picnic in your backyard or rent some playground equipment to get an authentic playground experience.

  3. Share your playground stories

    Children can share their funny, embarrassing, or memorable playground stories. Even parents can tell their stories from when they were kids. You can do this at home if it’s not possible to head outdoors.

5 Cool Facts About Playgrounds Around The World

  1. Sculpture ParkPod in Tokyo

    The Hakone Open-Air Sculpture Park Pod was knit entirely by hand.

  2. Australia's Pod Playground

    This playground has six unique huge wooden acorns that kids can climb inside and explore.

  3. Gulliver Park in Spain

    This park will allow kids to connect to their inner historian and literature lover.

  4. Teardrop Park in New York

    In winters, the bluestone wall that has an in-built water source becomes beautifully covered in icicles.

  5. LEGO House playground in Denmark

    There are nine brightly colored playgrounds that will let kids play out scenes like dodging a sea monster or balancing on surfboards near an oversized shark.

Why We Love Take Your Parents To The Playground Day

  1. It builds a strong bond between children and parents

    It has been proven that children and parents spending time engaging in any activity helps strengthen their bond and provides holistic development. Take Your Parents To The Playground is a perfect opportunity to enhance that. In fact, even if you’re an adult, you can take your aged parents to the playground and relive memories.

  2. It’s a great opportunity to step outdoors

    Sometimes, we can get stuck in a routine and forget that the beautiful outdoors exist. Take Your Parents To The Playground Day is a great reminder for you to step out, take some fresh air in, see your children all happy and playful, and relive your childhood days with them.

  3. Playgrounds are fun

    Playgrounds are a lot of fun, and there should be more of them for adults, too! Take Your Parents To The Playground Day is a great way to experience the abundant fun playgrounds provide and take a break from daily life.

Take Your Parents To The Playground Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 May 17 Sunday
2027 May 16 Sunday
2028 May 21 Sunday
2029 May 20 Sunday
2030 May 19 Sunday