Go to any park, restaurant, or public space, and you’re all but guaranteed to see a child with their head buried in a smartphone or tablet. It’s a familiar scene, and one that’s inevitable in today’s technology-driven world. But Nickelodeon wants to remind parents and kids about the importance of good, old-fashioned play.
On Sept. 29, the popular children’s television network will host the 15th annual Worldwide Day of Play. The day, part of Nickelodeon’s ongoing health and wellness initiative, is intended to empower kids and families to lead more active lifestyles.
As part of the event, the network will host more than 4,000 live events hosted by local and national partners, such as the Afterschool Alliance and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and air complementary content on all five of its platforms, including Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., Nicktoons, TeenNick, and NickMusic.
In celebration of Worldwide Day of Play, the network is also expanding Worldwide Day of Play with a new partnership with Mini Mudder, Tough Mudder’s one-mile Mud Run designed for adventure-seeking kids. The courses consist of eight to 10 fun and challenging team-focused obstacles. On Worldwide Day of Play, Mini Mudder will add a brand-new Nickelodeon-themed “slime” obstacle to its courses.
Nickelodeon will also mark Worldwide Day of Play with the launch of two new grant programs. A partnership with Laureus Sport for Good will fund underserved communities’ afterschool programs. Another with the National Fitness Foundation and DonorsChoose will fund in-school activities. Both grant programs aim to bring fitness and play to kids across the country.
