The National Institute for Play (NIFPlay) supports play as a public health necessity. Like sleep, nutrition, and movement, play is critical to our health and well-being. Play’s vitality has existed since life on earth began. We are built to play and built by play. Scientific research demonstrates that play improves our health, brain function, learning, creativity, and resilience. Conversely, major play deprivation can have unhealthy consequences. NIFPlay is a resource for science-based play information and a home for play researchers, practitioners, companies, foundations, and the general public.