NATIONAL DAYCOMMUNITY

National Take Your Parents to the Playground Day

National Take Your Parents to the Playground Day gives families a reason to be together on purpose — and to let the schedule breathe.

MAY17

Sunday, May 17Third Sunday in May

Roots: Established in 2009 by PDPlay
Vibe: Joyful, nostalgic, and engaging.
Also on May 17: Walnut Day · World Baking Day · World Hypertension Day
Hashtag: #NationalTakeYourParentsToThePlaygroundDay

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Ways to celebrate

Small, doable ways to celebrate National Take Your Parents to the Playground Day.

Put the phone away for an hour and follow their lead.
Let them pick dinner, the music, or the route.
Tell them one new story about someone in your family.
Do one boring parenting task as a small event — folding, bath, bedtime.
Send a photo of them to someone who'd love it.

Make it your kind of celebration

Family
Make one hour entirely kid-led. Do whatever they pick.
Kids
Let them plan the activity and see it through.
Couples
Trade one parenting chore you usually hate for a joint activity with the kids.
Office
Allow a little flex for parents on the calendar — school pickup matters.
School
Build a classroom tradition around the day — a story, a song, a simple ritual.
Community
Volunteer at a school, afterschool program, or youth center.
Just me
Reach out to a niece, nephew, godchild, or former student. Be seen.

Plan ahead

National Take Your Parents to the Playground Day is observed on the third Sunday in May. Here is where it lands for the next ten years, handy for planners, marketers and party people.

2026Sun, May 17this year

2027Sun, May 16

2028Sun, May 21

2029Sun, May 20

2030Sun, May 19

2031Sun, May 18

2032Sun, May 16

2033Sun, May 15

2034Sun, May 21

2035Sun, May 20

2036Sun, May 18

Add to my calendar (repeats yearly)

Fast facts

Many parents report enjoying playtime with their kids.

Playgrounds can help adults unwind and de-stress.

The story

National Take Your Parents to the Playground Day is a heartwarming observance that encourages families to spend quality time together in a playful setting. Established in 2009 by PDPlay, this day serves as a reminder for parents to embrace their inner child and reconnect with their kids through fun activities. On the third Sunday of May, families across America are invited to participate, making it a joyous occasion for all ages.

Read the full story

Playgrounds have long been a staple of childhood, representing freedom, exploration, and creativity. This observance allows parents to step away from their daily routines and engage in the simple joys of play. Laughter can be heard as parents join their children on swings, slides, and climbing structures, fostering a sense of camaraderie and bonding that often gets lost in the hustle of everyday life.

The spirit of National Take Your Parents to the Playground Day resonates with families worldwide, as similar observances encourage playful interactions between generations. For instance, in Japan, there is a tradition of family outings to parks, where parents and children engage in sports and games. These global practices highlight the universal value of play in nurturing family connections and promoting well-being.

To make the most of this day, families can plan a variety of fun activities, from picnicking in the park to engaging in friendly competitions on playground equipment. Taking photos together can capture the joy of the moment, providing cherished memories for years to come. So, gather your family, head to the nearest playground, and enjoy a day filled with laughter and love.