The Benefits of Open Ended Play for Children

Have you ever heard the term ‘open ended play’ and wondered what it is? It's a concept that's gaining popularity, especially among parents looking for ways to support their children's development. In fact, at Toybox Tales, we’re asked about toys that promote open ended play almost daily. I'm a big believer in this type of play, particularly for little ones under five years old. While it's a brilliant concept with numerous benefits for kids, it might not be for every parent—let me explain why.

What Is Open Ended Play?

Open ended play, sometimes referred to as unstructured play, is when children have the freedom to choose their own adventure during playtime. There’s no script, no defined goal—just pure creativity at work. The benefits of open ended play are numerous:

• Cognitive Development: It helps improve cognitive skills and supports the formation of important neural pathways.
• Skill Expression: It allows children to express themselves at their current skill level and challenge themselves in ways that feel right for them.
• Imagination: Open ended play gets those little imaginations firing on all cylinders.
• Decision Making: It helps improve decision-making skills as children take control and decide how they want to play.
• Independence: It fosters a sense of independence as children learn to play on their own.
• Exploration: It encourages exploration of new and different concepts, helping kids learn in a hands-on way.

Why Open Ended Play Is Beneficial for Parents Too

As much as open ended play is beneficial for children, it's a win for parents as well. Once kids grasp the concept, you might finally get the chance to sit back and enjoy a hot coffee! It can be exhausting to feel like you have to fill your little one’s time 100% of the time. Open ended play helps them develop the ability to play independently, giving you a well-deserved break.

How to Make Open Ended Play Successful

While the concept is fantastic, it doesn’t mean you can just hand your child a pile of toys and expect them to be content for hours. Open ended play is a skill that takes time to develop. Here are some tips to ensure it's successful:

• Declutter the Play Area: Remove distractions from the play area. When my daughter Elsie was under 12 months, I would pack up toys the night before and leave just one out for her to find in the morning. She would beeline for it and keep herself occupied while I enjoyed my morning coffee—a win-win!
• Test Their Skill Level: You don’t want play to be too overwhelming, as that could have the opposite effect. For example, maybe your child works better with fewer blocks rather than a full set. You might need to demonstrate a few examples before they can take off on their own.
• Embrace the Mess: If your child wants to play with water or go outside, let them! Elsie loves taking her toys into the bath, and sometimes she has multiple baths a day. We're totally fine with that—it’s all part of the exploration.
• Optimise the Environment: Kids play best when they’re calm, and that looks different for every child. Elsie likes to know where I am and prefers some background noise, so I’ll often play music (anything from The Wiggles to Ella Fitzgerald!). I’m not a fan of having the TV on during open ended play as it can be a distraction.
• Let Them Be: This can be the toughest part, especially for parents who like to be in control. But it’s important to bite your tongue, sit on your hands, and let them play. Allow them to make mistakes, play with toys in unconventional ways, and explore their creativity.

Recommended Toys for Open Ended Play

There are many toys that support the concept of open ended play. Here are some of my favourites:

• Play Edo Cardboard Blocks
• Organic Dough
• Lock Activity Box
• Poly M Starter Kit
• Wooden Blocks
• Wagon with Blocks
• Sensory Magic Sand
• Tubation Wheels

Open Ended Play Beyond Age Five

Once your child turns five, while open ended play is still valuable, it's also a good time to introduce toys that have specific goals—like science kits, art and craft kits, building sets, and puzzles. Learning to follow instructions and achieve a goal becomes more important at this stage, but open ended play should still be part of their routine. It’s a great way to help reduce school holiday boredom and ensure they continue developing their ability to entertain themselves.

Give Open Ended Play a Try

If you haven’t already, give open ended play a try with your little one. It’s a fantastic way for them to learn, grow, and have fun—and for you to enjoy that hot coffee!