Learn how play supports children’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development through research-based insights and real-world examples.
Playgrounds support more than physical activity. They play an important role in children’s emotional regulation, which is the ability to understand emotions, manage reactions, and recover from challenges. Through »
Around age two, many children enter a stage called onlooker play. At this stage, children may not join in the action but instead spend time watching others. While it »
Solitary play is one of the earliest and most essential stages of play development. It’s most often seen in children from birth to around age 2, when little ones »
When we think of play, we usually picture kids running, building, or pretending. But for very young children, play often starts in a quieter way, through unoccupied play. »
Play is how children explore the world, learn new skills, and build relationships. The stages of play provide a clear developmental path that reflects a child’s social and emotional »
Playgrounds aren’t just spaces for climbing, sliding, and swinging—they’re gateways to meaningful, whole-child development. And when those spaces integrate natural elements, the benefits grow even deeper. Nature-based play »
Play is often thought of as just a fun activity, but its impact on relationships and social development is profound. Whether it’s children engaging in a game of pretend, »