×
City of Nanaimo is planning a “Take a Walk in a Park” theme and “Try Something New” leisure activties. This will include organized opportunities that individuals, groups, families can experience at free or low cost exposure to leisure activities.

×

“You need to move!”

A whole day family programme organized the 22nd of April for everyone, using each possible room and equipment on University of Pécs campus

×

Sesc is a member of the World Leisure Organization and works daily throughout Brazil to encourage and promote leisure for people of all ages. For World Leisure Day, the institution will hold over 300 actions in all regions of the country focused on experimentation and knowledge exchange.

×

The Western Sydney Univeristy, in Sydney, Australia is planning an activation in the middle of Parramatta Square, which is a busy area in the Western Sydney area, with games, music and art activities. Stay tuned for more info!

April 16, 2025

A day to explore how leisure transforms lives and communities for the better!

World Leisure Day in 2025

Leisure for a Better Society!

Step into a world where imagination fuels innovation and leisure becomes the catalyst for a better society!

On April 16, 2025, the World Leisure Organization proudly celebrates the fifth edition of World Leisure Day (WL Day), dedicated to the transformative theme of ‘Leisure for a Better Society.’

Leisure lies at the heart of our lives, offering endless opportunities for self-expression, connection, and well-being. It’s a powerful force that unites people and communities, driving social and ecological sustainability while inspiring collaboration between individuals, industries, and governments.

Unleash your creativity and join us!

WL Day 2025 invites you to unleash your creativity and explore the limitless possibilities leisure provides. Whether you’re organizing a community art workshop, online trivia night, nature photography competition, a public dance class, an outdoor or online yoga session, a cooking class, a book reading at a library, a music performance in a park, a group hike or a charity fun run. Your imagination is the key to making this day unforgettable.

Join us in celebrating the vital role leisure plays in building a healthier, more sustainable, and connected world. Together, we’ll explore, learn, and embrace the transformative power of leisure to create a better society for everyone.

Here it comes!

World Leisure Day

The World Leisure Day (WL Day) is a global initiative from the World Leisure Organization (WLO) which aims to reinforce leisure as a social right and its importance in daily life, as well as to expand and promote leisure globally while recognizing that barriers still exist for many worldwide.

Why Leisure?

Leisure plays an important part in human development, personal growth, and the promotion of health and well-being for individuals in different socio-cultural contexts.

How it started?

The first WL Day on April 16, 2021 with the theme Leisure For Better Life was coordinated by WLCE USP (World Leisure Center of Excellence at University of São Paulo), LAGEL (Laboratory of Management of Leisure experiences), and Sesc (Social Service of Commerce) in Brazil.

The second edition of the WL Day took place on April 16 2022 with the theme Leisure Matters and was organized by Vancouver Island University (VIU) in Nanaimo, BC, in collaboration with l’Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR). Both universities are part of the World Leisure Centres of Excellence Network (WLCEs), which also includes universities in Brazil, China, The Netherlands, and New Zealand.

The third edition of the WL Day was celebrated on April 16 2023 and was devoted to the theme Leisure for Social Transformation. On this occasion, it was organized by WLCE Vancouver Island University (VIU) from Canada, in collaboration with WLCE University of São Paulo (USP) and Sesc (Social Service of Commerce), both from Brazil.

The fourth edition of the WL Day was celebrated on April 2024 and was devoeted to the them Embracing Digital Horizons in Leisure. This event was organized by the WL Day Committee in partnership with the World Leisure Centers of Excellence and World Leisure Special Interest Groups.

Participants were encouraged to explore the transformative potential of leisure in the digital age and the intersection of leisure and emerging technologies, such as the metaverse, artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality, and the dynamic landscape of virtual leisure practices. There were dozens of leisure-themed activities held worldwide, among them were classes, debates, workshops,  seminars, etc.

WL Day 2025: Leisure for a Better Society!

WL Day 2025 is a global call to explore the transformative role of leisure in building a more inclusive, equitable, and harmonious society. On this occasion, the WL Day will unite communities worldwide to examine how leisure can address critical societal challenges and inspire positive change.

Celebrating Leisure as a catalyst for social progress
This year’s theme underscores the potential of leisure to foster unity, well-being, and resilience across diverse populations. From nurturing creativity and community engagement to promoting mental health and environmental stewardship, WL Day 2025 highlights leisure as a powerful tool for advancing societal goals. Through global events, workshops, and dialogues, the initiative will explore how leisure can address pressing issues such as inequality, social isolation, and cultural preservation.

Advancing societal well-being through Leisure
The World Leisure Organization (WLO) recognizes leisure as a cornerstone of societal progress. WL Day 2025 emphasizes the importance of equitable access to leisure opportunities for all individuals—regardless of age, background, or ability—and how these experiences can strengthen social bonds and foster shared purpose. From play opportunities for children to active aging programs for seniors, leisure has the power to unite communities and promote a more inclusive world.

Overcoming barriers and building connections
While celebrating the transformative potential of leisure, WL Day 2025 also addresses the barriers that prevent many from enjoying its benefits. This includes systemic issues such as economic disparities, cultural biases, and limited access to recreational resources. The initiative calls for innovative solutions that make leisure accessible and meaningful for all, enabling societies to thrive through increased social cohesion, mutual understanding, and collaboration.

Leisure across generations for a Better Society
WL Day 2025 emphasizes the universal appeal of leisure and its ability to connect individuals across generations. Whether through shared family traditions, community events, or intergenerational programs, leisure fosters understanding and solidarity among people of all ages. By highlighting the importance of lifelong leisure—from childhood to adulthood—WL Day 2025 reaffirms its role in nurturing empathy, resilience, and societal well-being.

Through WL Day 2025, the WLO continues its mission to promote leisure as an essential element of human life and societal development. Together, we can harness the power of leisure to create a better society for all.