Active outdoor play enables children and young people to learn, stay healthy, and thrive. Yet across the globe, urban spaces are shrinking. As cities grow and populations increase, many young people are living without the space, time, or support they need to move and play regularly.

The Active Play Challenge aims to drive positive change by promoting active play that is accessible and inclusive for all. This new global initiative invites organisations from around the world to submit innovative ideas that drive real impact. Winning applicants will receive funding, mentorship, and support to bring their concepts to life.

The initiative is supported by ISCA and key partners including Novo Nordisk, Cities for Better Health and the Van Leer Foundation. The application deadline is August 14, and the winning entries will be announced on November 20.

Three Categories of Innovation:

• Play by Design: Spatial and physical interventions that incorporate everyday active play into the fabric of homes, streets, schools, buildings, or public spaces.

 

• Play in Action: Creative activities and services that embed active play directly into everyday routines and existing community spaces.

 

• Play for Early Years: Innovative design solutions, activities, or services that promote active play for children aged 0–5 and their caregivers.

 

Winning entries will receive between USD 50,000 and USD 100,000 in implementation funding, expert technical guidance throughout the project’s implementation, and an exclusive invitation to the “Play Masterclass Week” in Barcelona. Shortlisted finalists will receive a Certificate of Participation, and secure access to online Active Play Masterclasses, and gain global visibility.

Applicants seeking guidance are invited to join one of two free Active Play Challenge webinars. Save the date and take part in a session designed to help you refine your submission. Attendance links are available on the website.

• 29 June: Q&A Webinar for Applicants (sessions at 09:00 and 17:30 CEST)

If your mission is to reimagine urban spaces or design programmes that help bring play into everyday life, the Active Play Challenge is for you. Read more here.

Let’s get cities active through play — everywhere, every day!

 

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The Active Play Challenge is proudly supported by Novo Nordisk, Cities for Better Health, ARUP, Save the Children, RMIT University, Right to Play, the Van Leer Foundation, and ISCA.