Recent studies by Dr. Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, have revealed that play leads to greater light-heartedness, empathy, flexibility, adaptiveness, optimism, hope for the future and produces a sense of belonging. Play even promotes our being open to new ideas and increases our creativity. In light of this I’ve compiled a top twenty list of fun and playful activities that will hopefully inspire you to begin to prioritize play in your life.

 

1. Have a bubbles blowing competition – the biggest one wins!
2. Dance – a lot
3. Daydream
4. Watch stand up comedy
5. Have a water fight
6. Do karaoke or sing along to your favourite CD / song on the radio
7. Pop bubble wrap
8. Go on a swing
9. Skip along the street for fun
10. Scrapbooking
11. Knitting / sewing
12. Photography
13. Mosaics (mirrors, tables, pots)
14. Country drives and tea shop breaks
15. Picnics in the park with music
16. Playing fetch with your dog
17. Getting a piggy back ride from a friend down the street
18. Going to a market, looking at trinkets and stopping for food
19. Going to an immersive cinema experience
20. Going to an immersive theatre experience

 

In reality this list is just the tip of the iceberg and there are many more playful pastimes out there. Can you spot any I have missed out? What do you find enjoyable, fun and immersive? Please share your thoughts in the comments below to gain encouragement, support and insight from our community, we’d love to hear from you.