In this guide · 4 sections
The Science of Play
From the outside, play looks simple: a toddler stacking blocks, a preschooler running a pretend café, two kids racing up a climber. Inside, a lot is happening. Every time children test an idea, solve a problem or take turns, they're practicing the skills they'll use for the rest of their lives.
Here's what pediatricians say about play and the brain, the five kinds of play that build different skills, and simple ways to make room for more of it at home.
The short answer: play builds the brain. The American Academy of Pediatrics calls play "brain building, a central part of healthy child development," and says it helps children learn language, math and social skills. It's also linked to executive function, the skills kids use to plan, focus, remember and manage their emotions.
"Play is brain building, a central part of healthy child development, a key to executive function skills, and a buffer against the negative impacts of stress."From the American Academy of Pediatrics clinical report "The Power of Play," 2018
Five Kinds of Play
How Different Kinds of Play Build Different Skills
Physical play
Climbing, swinging, sliding and balancing teach kids where their body is in space and what it can do. Deciding how high to climb and how to get down is also practice in judging risk.
Builds: gross motor skills, balance, coordination, confidence
Try: a first climber like the Hazel Pikler set (ages 1 to 6) or the Chestnut jungle gym (ages 2 to 8). See how much active play a toddler needs.
Pretend play
Running a shop, cooking a pretend dinner or playing house means taking on a role, following a story and negotiating with other players about what happens next.
Builds: language, empathy, cooperation, planning
Try: a playhouse like the Evergreen (ages 1 to 6) with double chalkboards and an art easel. Read our guide to pretend play.
Hands-on play
Stacking, sorting, threading beads and turning gears give small hands lots of practice and show kids how things work through cause and effect.
Builds: fine motor skills, problem solving, early math
Try: the Montessori Wooden Activity Table (12 months and up) or the mountain rainbow stacker (18 months and up). See fine motor skills by age.
Creative play
Drawing, painting and building without instructions let kids try ideas, change their minds and make something that's entirely theirs.
Builds: creativity, focus, self-expression, early writing grip
Try: the foldable kids easel, with a magnetic whiteboard, a chalkboard, a paper roll and three height settings.
Sensory play
Pouring, scooping and exploring different textures help young children make sense of what they see, hear and feel.
Builds: sensory processing, language, curiosity
Try: read what sensory play is and browse our sensory tables for kids.
At Home
Simple Ways to Make Room for Play
Free time without a plan is when kids invent their own games.
Open-ended toys like blocks, stackers and playhouses leave the work to the child.
Follow your child's lead. The AAP notes that play builds the bond between parent and child.
A climber or an open corner gives kids somewhere to be active indoors.
A few toys at a time hold attention longer than a full bin.
Wait a beat before stepping in. Working it out is part of the learning.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How does play help brain development?
The American Academy of Pediatrics describes play as "brain building" and says it helps children learn language, math and social skills and supports executive function skills like planning, focus and self-control.
What type of play is best for brain development?
A mix. Physical, pretend, hands-on, creative and sensory play each build different skills, so variety matters more than any single toy.
Why is free play important?
When children lead their own play, they practice making decisions, solving problems and working with others without an adult directing every step.
Do toys need to be educational?
Not in the flashcard sense. Simple, open-ended toys that kids can use many ways often do the most. See the benefits of wooden toys.
Source: Yogman M, Garner A, Hutchinson J, et al. "The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children." Pediatrics, September 2018. American Academy of Pediatrics.
