Play is the ultimate way for children to make sense of their worlds. Play gives kids agency and is the perfect arena for experimenting...it is the way children learn to be learners.
Through play, our little humans orient themselves, build understanding, and regulate emotions. There are 6 widely recognized play stages that Mildred Parten identified that include: Unoccupied Play, Solitary Play, Onlooker Play, Parallel Play, Associative Play, and Cooperative Play. Children typically pass through these 6 stages within their first 5 years of life
We begin to play as babies and hopefully continue into adulthood. While most children will generally pass through these stages in a predictable pattern, all children are unique and the timeline is not definitive. The following 6 stages of play are general guidelines for what to expect in your child's developmental journey, but remember every child is different and if you have concerns bring them up with your healthcare provider.
Unoccupied Play
Solitary Play
This type of play is done alone. Kids in this stage will often be immersed in their own play without noticing other children nearby. They will be fully engaged in exploring their own worlds.
Solitary play is most common in babies through toddler years, but is seen in older children (especially those engaged in a special interest, lacking a playmate, or for various other reasons). The ability to play independently is an important skill for children of all ages to develop and enjoy.
Any high interest, age appropriate toy works well during this stage. Little ones at this age usually also enjoy sensory toys and experiences. Parents can encourage this type of play by setting out high interest objects, open-ended toys (animal figurines, blocks, puppets, & dolls), and by starting out being nearby but not interfering.
Onlooker Play
During this stage of play, children watch others at play but do not engage.
This type of activity is more common in younger children, usually toddlers, but is seen in older children as well (especially if a child is timid, hesitant in new situations, or for various other reasons). It is the beginning of children learning the social norms of play.
This is a great age to take kids to parks, public libraries, splash pads, and other community play spaces. Your little one can play and will also have ample opportunity to people watch. A helpful tip for a more timid child is to take a bag of toys and a blanket in case they want to play more off to the side.
Parallel Play
Parallel play occurs between around 18 months until about age 2. It involves children playing next to each other but generally not interacting or engaging in social exchanges.
While this play occurs in the vicinity of others, it remains an independent endeavor. The chosen activity or toys are often similar to those around them, but there is usually very little mimicking or attempts to change the way other children play.
Time to start attending playdates or taking visits to public play areas with plenty of interactive play options - think public libraries with train tables, parks, local toy stores (like ToyTopia in Nocatee, FL) with hands-on displays, interactive exhibits at museums or zoos, etc.
Associative Play
Associative play is when children engage in activities with peers or adults, usually starting around age 3.
Children will use toys and materials to explore and interact with others. It's an interactive play usually but each child has their own agenda and way of playing with materials.
Open-ended toys, like building toys or Safari Ltd. figurines, are great for this type of play because they allow children to play together, interact, and negotiate materials while also being able to freely pursue their own play objectives. Continue with playdates and visits to public play areas to help foster this new stage of play and interactions with other children.
Cooperative Play
Collaborative play is the most complex of the six stages of play, and involves social interaction, shared goals, communication, problem-solving, and negotiation.
Children will play and work with others towards a common goal or purpose. This social play helps foster cooperation skills, expands vocabulary, and develops ability to communicate and share ideas. Vital social skills are built during this important play; kids learn about taking turns, sharing, following rules, and compromising.
This is a great stage for introducing group games or starting a family game night. Working together to achieve a common goal in cooperative activities is wonderful as well. Work on a puzzle together, plant a small garden, plan and put on a puppet show, etc. There are also many children's books available, like the I Get Along with Others series, to help kids learn about navigating social situations.
Cultural Differences in Play
Play is universal. There’s no question about that. But how children engage in play can vary widely across cultures. In some societies, kids are encouraged to play independently, while group play is emphasized from an early age in others.
In many Western cultures, for example, imaginative and independent play is valued, whereas in more collectivist cultures, cooperative play helps to build social cohesion.
The choice of toys and games also differs between cultures. In some parts of the world, children rely on nature and everyday objects for play. In other places, they have access to an array of manufactured toys.
Impact of Technology
Digital devices continue to transform how children play. Now commonly known as screen time, interactive apps, video games, and virtual worlds give kids new ways to engage – but they also present challenges. Screen-based play limits physical activity, and it reduces face-to-face social interactions. Still, it also supports cognitive development through problem-solving games and educational content.
Parents can encourage a healthy balance by combining digital and hands-on play. Give kids opportunities for creative and physical activities like playing with figurines or building structures. Then find supplementary activities on an electronic device. You’ll help make sure that technology is enhancing rather than replacing traditional forms of play.
Neuroscience of Play
Play is about so much more than just having fun. It actively shapes brain development. Neuroscientists have found that play strengthens neural connections. It also enhances problem-solving skills and emotional regulation. During unstructured play, our brains engage in critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability.
Studies have shown that imaginative play activates the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that’s responsible for decision-making and impulse control. That’s why pretend play is so essential during early childhood. As kids experiment, negotiate, and navigate social interactions, their brains build essential pathways that support lifelong learning.
Play Therapy
When kids face emotional and developmental challenges, play therapy can be a valuable tool for both healing and communication. Therapists often employ play as a way to get children to express the feelings they can’t describe in words. It’s a particularly effective approach for children who have experienced trauma, anxiety, or developmental delays,
With guided play, kids can process their emotions, build confidence, and develop valuable coping strategies that will serve them throughout life. Simple activities like storytelling, drawing, and playing with figurines can help young people work through complex emotions in a safe environment.
Structured vs. Unstructured Play
A child’s development is influenced by both structured and unstructured play. However, each type serves a different purpose. Structured play includes organized activities that have rules – board games, sports, and music lessons, for example. Activities like these teach kids discipline, teamwork, and goal setting.
On the other hand, unstructured play lets kids explore, create, and freely use their imaginations. Open-ended toys like building blocks and animal figurines encourage unstructured play.
Striking a balance between structured and free play helps kids develop a broader range of skills that will support lifelong learning and adaptability.
Outdoor Play
You’ll never find a better playground than the one provided by nature. Outdoor play promotes physical health, it enhances sensory experiences, and it fosters resilience. When kids climb trees, dig in the dirt, or run through fields, they build coordination and strength. They also stimulate their curiosity about the natural world.
Unlike indoor play, outdoor environments challenge children to take risks, solve problems, and navigate different terrains. Parents and other caregivers can encourage outdoor play by visiting parks, setting up obstacle courses, and just giving kids the freedom to safely explore their surroundings.
Risk-Taking in Play
All kids need to take risks when they play. It helps them build confidence and resilience. Kids who participate in challenging activities like climbing, balancing, or experimenting with new ideas actually develop better problem-solving skills and self-assurance.
Risky play doesn’t have to mean unsafe play. Instead, it lets children assess situations, test their limits, and learn from their experiences. When you encourage calculated risk-taking in a safe environment, you help kids grow into independent thinkers and capable decision-makers.
Gender Differences in Play
While it’s true that all children benefit from play, societal norms also influence what types of activities boys and girls participate in. According to research, boys often gravitate toward active and competitive play, while girls might prefer more nurturing and cooperative activities.
Provide them with a variety of toys – ranging from dolls to construction sets so they can develop a balanced combination of physical, cognitive, and social abilities.
Play in Special Needs Children
Children with special needs might experience play differently than their peers. But that doesn’t mean they don’t still hugely benefit from it. You can employ adaptive play strategies to help children with physical, sensory, or developmental challenges.
Sensory play, for example, can really help kids with autism, while modified physical activities better support children with mobility differences. Thus, play environments must be inclusive, so all children can engage at their own pace and comfort level.
Adult Play
Play doesn’t stop when childhood ends. When adults engage in playful activities like games, hobbies, and creative projects, they lower their stress levels, improve their problem-solving skills, and forge stronger social connections.
It makes no difference if it’s a board game, outdoor sports, or storytelling with children, play is still an important part of adults’ emotional well-being. Adults who embrace play promote their own curiosity, relaxation, and joy.
Animal Play
If you’ve ever watched a litter of puppies, then you know humans are not the only animals who play. Many creatures also engage in playful behaviors that help them develop important survival skills. Kittens pounce to practice hunting, puppies wrestle to learn social boundaries, and baby dolphins play with objects to advance their intelligence.
By comparing human and animal play, we can see how much it’s an essential developmental aspect across species. Just like human children use play to explore their environments, young animals use it to prepare for adulthood.
Historical Changes in Play
How children play has evolved over time. Outdoor and imaginative play once dominated childhood as homemade toys and neighborhood games shaped daily activities. Today, digital entertainment, structured extracurricular activities, and safety concerns have changed the ways kids play.
Despite the changes, play’s core purpose remains the same: exploration, learning, and happiness. Parents can incorporate more traditional play elements like storytelling and free exploration while they still embrace more modern tools that enhance creativity.
Imagination and Creativity in Play
Imaginative play lays the foundation for creative thinking. When kids pretend to be astronauts, superheroes, or chefs, for example, they develop problem-solving skills and cognitive flexibility. Pretend play promotes original thinking and innovation.
Open-ended toys like dolls, figurines, and building sets let kids create their own narratives. You can help strengthen your child’s ability to think outside the box by encouraging storytelling and make-believe play.
Play-Based Learning in Education
Play goes hand in hand with education. Many schools still incorporate play-based learning to teach skills like problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking. Role-playing activities, hands-on experiments, and interactive games all make learning more engaging and – most importantly – effective.
Indeed, play-based learning helps children explore new concepts in a stress-free environment. After all, when learning feels like play, kids are more likely to retain information and develop a lifelong love of discovery.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Through all stages of play, caregivers and educators can help to support children's play by modeling appropriate play behavior, providing guidance and feedback, introducing and facilitating cooperative games, and providing a variety of stimulating, open-ended toys.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
"Toys are children's words and play is their language."
-Garry L. Landreth
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
At Safari Ltd. and in our toy store, ToyTopia, we fully embrace the power of play!
We’re not here to just sell toys and call it a day, we strive to help unleash imaginations, create memorable moments, and facilitate development. Set the stage for your kids to play and watch the magic unfold!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Additional resources on play & developmental milestones:
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/facts.html
https://bingschool.stanford.edu/news/play-stages-valuing-all-types-play-twos
