National Play Day- Let Your Inner Child Shine

Huckleberry Park Splash Pad, photo courtesy of Town of Christiansburg

Today is National Play Day and we're encouraging you to do something that often gets pushed aside as we get older… play! Playing is a great way to strengthen our minds, build healthy relationships, and create resilient communities.

For children, play is far more than just entertainment. Whether they're climbing at a playground, pretending to be a pirate, riding bikes, or playing tag with friends, they're developing critical skills. Play strengthens the brain by improving problem-solving, decision-making, communication, emotional regulation, and creativity. Play also helps kids learn how to work through challenges, communicate with peers, and navigate obstacles, all skills that build resilience and serve as protective factors against future substance use and other risky behaviors.

Adults also benefit from play. Life is busy and responsibilities often take priority over recreation, but making time to laugh, hike, play pickleball, throw a football, or enjoy a game night helps reduce stress, improve memory and mood, and strengthen overall brain health. Healthy ways to relax and connect with others are essential ingredients for resilience. They remind us that joy, fun, and belonging are important parts of our overall health.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of play is the connection it creates. Research demonstrates that positive relationships with family, friends, and caring adults are among the strongest protective factors for mental health and substance use prevention. When we play together, we build trust, create positive memories, and strengthen the support systems that help us navigate life's challenges. Every game of catch, hike on a trail, or afternoon on the playground is an opportunity to connect with each other.

The NRV offers plenty of places to relax and play. Pack a picnic or get cooled off on the splash pad at Christiansburg's Huckleberry Park, play a game of disc golf at Blacksburg Municipal Park, or take the family to Pulaski's Randolph Park for pool fun, ball fields, walking trails, and open green space. If you find dancing fun, shake a leg at the Floyd Country Store or go to Bisset Park in Radford to swing on the playground or play soccer! 

On National Play Day, put the screens away for a little while and make time for connection. Blow bubbles, play kickball, take a walk with a friend, or even fly a kite! These moments may seem small, but they help build stronger brains, healthier relationships, and more resilient communities.