6 Benefits of Play

Play isn’t all fun and games — it’s also an important teaching tool! Through play, kids learn how to interact with others and develop critical lifelong skills. These 6 benefits all play an important role in raising well-rounded children.

Physical Skills

Physical

Active play helps kids with coordination, balance, motor skills, and spending their natural energy (which promotes better eating and sleeping habits).

Process Emotions

Emotional

During play, kids learn to cope with emotions like fear, frustration, anger, and aggression in a situation they control. They can also practice empathy and understanding.

Cognitive Skills

Cognitive

Children learn to think, read, remember, reason, and pay attention through play.

Creative Skills

Creative

By allowing imaginations to run wild during play, kids create new worlds, and form unique ideas and solutions to challenges.

Communication Skills

Communication

Play lets kids exchange thoughts, information, or messages by speech, signals, writing, or actions.

Put the Benefits of Play into Action

Discover play ideas by age, benefit, and prep time to play every day!

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Ice Painting

Ages 4 years and older

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Housework Hustle

Ages 2 years and older

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Frosty Toss

Ages 3 years and older

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Quicksand

Ages 4+, requires adult help

Explore Play Ideas for Special Needs

Check out Our ‘Expert Advice’ Page

We have articles, useful tips, sound advice, and the latest research from leaders in the field on children and education.

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Chip & Dana Brown

Storyastic Co-Founders

The Powerful Benefits of Playing in the Real-World

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Andrew Quartin & Nicole Blake

Play Experts

Podcasts and Playtime Can Create a More Immersive, Fun, and Enriching Experience for Families

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Amanda Sullivan

Senior Program Developer at National Girls Collaborative Project

Using Play to Spark Girls’ Interest and Confidence in STEM