Summer Solstice - Seven Days of Play

June 15, 2026 |

Summer Solstice - Seven Days of Play

We're counting down to Summer Solstice with a weekly blog series. The longest day of sunshine is just a week away and we've got ideas for you to play in many different ways leading up to that wonderful day.

The looooooooongest day of play is just a week away and our Play-A-Thon is in full swing. If you need some inspiration as the days get longer leading up to the Summer Solstice on June 21, we have a full week of fun anyone can use to join in. 

Whether you want to create or get cardio, there are so many ways to play. Here are some ideas for you starting with…

Music Monday, June 15

Dance, sing, play an instrument.

Whether you’re moving to the beat or making your own, kick off the week with music-filled fun. Turn up your favorite songs and dance like nobody’s watching, host a family sing-along, or try your hand at playing an instrument. From spontaneous living room concerts to full-on dance parties, today is all about expressing yourself through rhythm and sound.

Toy-ful Tuesday, June 16

Get out your favorite toys and games.

Rediscover the joy of play by bringing out your favorite toys and games. Build, create, compete, and imagine—today is all about hands-on fun for all ages. From classic board games to iconic toys, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Gather your friends or family and let the games begin!

Need to stock up? Our friends at Mattel make the perfect playdate partner. They have a special Project Sunshine Play-A-Thon section in the Toy Store at their El Segundo, CA, global headquarters that offer "Prescriptions for Play." These mystery bags are available until June 30 and feature some of their most beloved toys like Barbie, Hot Wheels, Monster High and Matchbox.  

Watercolor Wednesday, June 17

Draw up some fun with paint, markers, crayons, pencils or chalk.

Get creative and add a splash of color to your day. Whether you prefer paint, markers, crayons, pencils, or chalk, today is your chance to let your imagination flow. Draw, doodle, or design your own masterpiece—there’s no right or wrong way to create. The goal is simple: have fun and make something uniquely yours.

Theatrical Thursday, June 18

The world is your stage, act out a scene from your favorite movie, put on a backyard play, or just enjoy a watch party with family and friends .

Step into the spotlight and let your imagination take center stage. Act out scenes from your favorite movies, put on a backyard play, or host a themed watch party with family and friends. Whether you’re performing or enjoying the show, today celebrates storytelling, creativity, and a little bit of drama.

Free-For-All Friday, June 19

Let your imagination run wild and play your way, get family and friends together and each take turns deciding an activity for everyone to participate in.

End the week your way with a celebration of limitless play. Gather your family and friends and take turns choosing activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether it’s games, crafts, sports, or something completely unexpected, today is all about creativity, collaboration, and making memories together.

Sporty Saturday, June 20

Get moving and enjoy whatever sport or athletic pursuit brings you joy - tag, football, Marco Polo, soccer, kite flying. There are no wrong answers, anything that involves motion and smiles is perfect.

If you are in NYC today, come out to the Chelsea Piers Brooklyn Field House for our in-person Play-A-Thon event. This FREE, family-friendly function will have arts and crafts (featuring slime!), soccer, football, basketball, a bouncy house, Jersey Mike's subs, local vendors, prizes, raffles, and more! REGISTER TODAY

Summer Solstice Sunday: The Loooooooongest Day of Play, June 21

It's finally HERE! There is no other day with more Sunshine than today (approximately 15 hours!) so get out and play until the streetlights come on. And then…keep going! It’s summer.

Help us spread the healing power of PLAY! It's not too late to join our Summer Solstice Play-A-Thon. You can attend one of our events and sign up your team today to make this the longest—and most meaningful—day of play yet.