How children thrive on play

Dive into the evidence for play’s vital role in child development.

Children are born to learn through play

They instinctively explore their surroundings like little scientists. A baby scrunching paper, a toddler splashing at the water table, and schoolchildren playing tag are all learning about how the world works.

There’s no substitute for play. The evidence is piling up: children learn better and feel better when they get plenty of time and space to play. Our whitepaper looks at how different kinds of play are linked with child development, and lays the groundwork for future research.

The evidence at a glance

1. Play is how children develop essential skills
2. We should support children’s play – but not direct it
3. Children get more out of certain types of play

Access the full research

Dive into our latest news, research, blogs and project stories

March 2024 News
Celebrating the UN adoption of an International Day of Play
June 2023 Opinion
5 signs you’re (already) a playful parent
October 2022 Evidence
World Mental Health Day: How play can support children’s mental health
July 2022 Evidence
Good Life at home and at play
June 2022 Opinion
For families to play more, we need better policies
Playful parenting is a huge child development boost – but parents are too often over-stretched and under-supported. Here’s how systems can help families unlock the power of play.

Ready to play?

What Makes Us Special

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Mission Improbable

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Brick Music Sequence

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 4+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Unseen Guesses

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

Traffic Lights

Ages: 6-9 years

People: 3+

Duration: Under 15 minutes

More research

Why school time is playtime
It’s official: play belongs in school. We’ve investigated eight different teaching methods to uncover the playfulness that’s already there. Dive in to learn more
In the classroom, Future skills
Learning through play: what the science says
Do you know that play builds brains? We look at research that shows how playful learning experiences lay the foundations for brain development and develops 21st century skills
In the classroom, At home, Future skills
How can reading be more playful?
Play is a powerful tool for children's language development. Here's why playful reading is so important.
In the classroom, Future skills
The relationship between learning through play and holistic skills
Learning through play helps children develop the skills they need to thrive. And we’ve got an ever-growing body of evidence to illustrate it. Take a look.
Future skills, In the classroom
Positive play in a digital age
Children spend more time online than ever – so it is vitally important that digital platforms are a safe space to explore and learn through play. Here’s how organisations are steering industry and governments to put children’s wellbeing first.
Technology, Wellbeing
Why creativity matters and how play nurtures creative minds
Creativity is instinctive in children – and just as essential in adults. Here’s an introduction to what we know so far about why and how we should make space for children to hone creative skills.
In the classroom, At home, Future skills, Systems reform
Rebuilding systems around social and emotional learning
Social and emotional learning is every bit as vital as reading and writing - especially now. We spoke to policymakers around the world about how they’re reshaping education around these essential skills.
Future skills, Wellbeing