Play Day 2025: Hosting a 50 Things to Do Before You're Five Play Street

To mark National Play Day on Wednesday 6th August, 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five will be running its very own Play Street, right here in Bradford! For the first time ever, the 50 Things team has been granted permission to close a street and turn it into a safe, fun-filled outdoor play space for the neighbours on Washington Street in Girlington, Bradford. It’s a chance to recognise just how important play is for children’s health, happiness and development.

If you’ve not heard of Play Streets before, the idea is simple: for a few hours, a residential street is closed to traffic so that children can play freely and safely, right outside their front doors. Add in skipping ropes, scooters, chalk drawings, hula hoops, crafts, and music, and it becomes something really special.

Now imagine all of that, with a sprinkle of 50 Things to Do magic! This special Play Street, hosted by our central team in Bradford and St Edmund’s Nursery School, will bring some of your favourite activities from our project to life! From #24 hop, skip and jump, with skipping rope challenges and classic playground games, story time with #10 Sharing Books, popping and bursting #8 Bubbles to #26 Splish Splash Splosh and of course lots of #21 Gigglebox. You’ll be able to try out real-life experiences from the 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five list, all in one joyful afternoon.

If you’re new to 50 Things to Do, it’s a bucket list of activities, available on a free app, created in Bradford to help families enjoy playful, low-cost adventures that support early learning. The activities are designed to help children grow in confidence, communication, creativity and curiosity, all through simple, everyday play.

The day isn’t just about fun for the children (though they’ll definitely be busy!). It’s about bringing the whole community together. Parents can chat, neighbours can meet, and everyone can enjoy time outdoors, away from screens and busy roads. It’s a reminder that play doesn’t have to cost money or happen in fancy places, it can start right outside your front door. 

Want to host your very own play street? 

Here's how to apply for a play street in Bradford

For more information about play streets, see here.