Play for Free on Playday!

Posted: 23rd July 2026

It’s Playday on Wednesday 5th August – the national day for play. Gymboree Play & Music is proud to be a Playday Champion, because we’re passionate about play!

Playday is a national initiative organised by Play England, Play Wales, Play Scotland and PlayBoard Northern Ireland.

This year’s theme for Playday is ‘Play – here, there, everywhere!’

At Gymboree Play & Music, we know that play isn’t just something children do – it’s how they learn, grow, connect and make sense of the world around them. That’s why we love this year’s Playday theme, celebrating the power of play wherever children are.

From living rooms and local parks to nursery drop-offs, shopping trips and neighbourhood walks, every day is filled with opportunities for play. These simple moments of fun and discovery have a huge impact on children’s confidence, creativity, wellbeing and happiness. When we make space for play in everyday life, we help children flourish and build stronger, more connected communities.

This Playday, let’s champion every child’s right to:

🌈 Enjoy playful moments, every day
Little bursts of play, whether at home, on the go or in between daily routines, can spark joy, imagination and learning.

🚀 Embark on everyday adventures
The best play experiences don’t need expensive toys or grand plans. A puddle to splash in, a treasure hunt on a walk, or a cardboard box can become something truly magical.

👣 Discover their world through play
Every journey can be an adventure. By making trips to nursery, the park or the shops more playful and child-friendly, we create opportunities for exploration and connection.

💛 Feel welcome in inclusive play spaces
Every child deserves spaces where they feel valued, included and free to play in their own unique way, regardless of age, stage or ability.

Play is a vital part of childhood, and every child deserves the time, space and freedom to enjoy it—here, there and everywhere.

We at Gymboree Play & Music know more than most about the benefits of play! So to celebrate Playday many of our Centres are throwing open their doors and offering free sessions for any little ones aged 0-5 years to come and play on our playfloors.

Get in touch with your local Centre to find out more!

Reviews

Both of my children (3.5 years and 11 months) go to Gymboree Play & Music and love it. My toddler goes to their drop-off Lego class which she raves about. It's very creative, working not only on Lego skills but also painting, drawing etc. My infant son loves his Gymboree Play & Music Crawlers class - particularly loves crawling all over their props, through the tunnels, etc. Great way to get the infant crawling over obstacles! Gymboree Play & Music is part of our weekly schedule for both kids and we look forward to participating every week. Invaluable!

Natalia

Cannot recommend Gymboree Play & Music Watford enough--truly THE BEST! ❤️🙌 What makes it so special are the amazing teachers/staff, especially Amber, Jack, Philippa, and Hannah! They’re not only incredibly talented in music and arts, but they’re also absolutely fantastic with kids of all ages.

My little girl was only 18 months old when we first discovered this wonderful place and started attending sessions. She’s now 5 years old, and we’re still here! That says it all 🥰

Rose

I genuinely believe that so many of my daughter’s milestones have been reached early because of the time she spends here. She was talking, walking, climbing, and exploring ahead of her peers, and I credit so much of that to the incredible environment and activities here. The space itself is wonderful — safe, clean, and full of opportunities for little ones to run, jump, climb, and burn off energy without any worries. But for me, Gymboree has been just as important as it has been for my daughter, especially as a mum without a village. ...What I didn’t realise was how much I would gain. I’ve made lifelong friendships and found a support network of the most incredible people.

Jennifer