National Play Day – Wednesday 5 August 2026

Get ready for a day packed with free family fun as National Play Day comes to Burnley.

Celebrated across the UK on the first Wednesday of August, National Play Day champions every child’s right to play and highlights the vital role play has in supporting children’s happiness, wellbeing, creativity and development. This year’s theme, “Play – Here, There, Everywhere”, celebrates the idea that play can happen anywhere, in parks, libraries, shopping centres and public spaces, bringing families and communities together through fun.

On Wednesday 5 August, Burnley will host a fantastic programme of FREE activities in spaces and venues across the town. Whether your family enjoys sport, arts and crafts, storytelling, imaginative play, cooking or giant games, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Simply explore Burnley, drop into as many activities as you like and celebrate the power of play together.

Burnley Play Day August 26

St James’s Street (near One Beyond), 11am – 2pm

Burnley Leisure & Culture and Burnley BID will be inviting families to test their skills on a giant inflatable darts challenge and inflatable football goal, giving children and grown-ups the chance to get active and enjoy some friendly competition.

Participation Works NW will be bringing its Youth & Community Van to town offering games, arts and crafts, music, interactive activities, refreshments and the opportunity to explore the van while meeting new friends.

Disco Bowl will also be joining the celebrations by bringing some of the fun from its Finsley Gate venue to St James’s Street. Families can enjoy a mini golf challenge, decorate a bowling pin in a colouring competition and spin the prize wheel for the chance to win keyrings, sweets, drinks and more.

Down Town, 9.30am – 3pm

Head to Down Town (above New Look) for a fun-filled day of imaginative play, creativity and hands-on activities. Little ones can become café owners for the day using play food, designing their own menus and even creating their own play food from play dough. Children can also enjoy messy play and sensory activities on the balcony, while older children and families can get involved in a variety of games throughout the day.

Charter Walk Shopping Centre

There’s even more family fun waiting at Charter Walk throughout the day.

Market Square, 10am – 2pm

Join ParkPlay for a variety of fun games and activities including a FREE smoothie from the smoothie bike and a bicycle obstacle course and take part in Charter Walk’s  interactive Rolling Together workshop celebrating creativity and community.

Outside Superdrug, 11am – 4pm

Challenge friends and family at Big Games Day, featuring a fantastic selection of giant games that everyone can enjoy together. 

While you’re visiting Charter Walk, don’t forget to stop by the FREE Ping Pong Parlour or let little ones explore the permanent Fleet Walk Play Trail, featuring colourful hopscotch and snakes & ladders.

Burnley Market Hall, 11am – 3pm

Burnley Market Hall will be hosting a Darts & Nerf Drop-In Session in their event space from 11am – 3pm. Families can enjoy inflatable Nerf challenges alongside giant darts in an action-packed session that’s perfect for children looking to burn off some energy. There’s no need to book – simply drop in, take aim and have fun.

Burnley Library, 10.30am – 4pm

Burnley Library will be opening its doors for a day of family-friendly fun.The day begins with a special Storytime at 10.30am, perfect for pre-school children, although everyone is welcome. Throughout the day you’ll also find LEGO, jigsaws, board games, card games, giant games, table football and a special display of gaming-themed books. The event is free to attend with no booking required. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Real Food Hall, 12pm – 2pm (while ingredients last)

Young pizza lovers can enjoy free pizza making with Levi’s Pizzeria at Real Food Hall on Manchester Road. Children will have the chance to create their own delicious pizza using fresh ingredients before taking it away to enjoy. The activity is free for children from 12pm – 2pm  and will run on a first come, first served basis while ingredients last. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Make a Day of It

With free activities taking place across Burnley, National Play Day is the perfect opportunity to spend quality time together, discover somewhere new and enjoy everything the town has to offer.

As well as all the fantastic activities, Burnley is home to a great selection of family-friendly cafés, coffee shops and restaurants, making it easy to stop for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a well-earned sweet treat while you’re out and about.

Whether you’re building, creating, reading, competing, cooking or simply soaking up the atmosphere, you’ll find plenty of ways to play here, there and everywhere in Burnley on Wednesday 5 August.