Onlooker Play: Learning by Watching
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 »
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Supporting Solitary Play: Why Independent Play Matters in Early Childhood
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 »
The Power of Unoccupied Play in Early Childhood
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. »
How Children Grow Through Play: From Solo to Social
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 »
Recognizing Playground Safety Week
Each April, communities across the country come together to recognize National Playground Safety Week—a dedicated time to reflect on the importance of safe play environments for children. At PDPlay, »
Why Your Community Needs a Dog Park
Adding a dog park, or dog-friendly area to your local green space, does more than give pups room to roam. These spaces strengthen communities, encourage healthy habits, and support »
Connecting with Nature Through Play: Why It Matters for Children’s Development
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 »