Play isn’t just a way for toddlers to pass the time—it’s a vital part of how they learn, grow, and understand the world around them. Through play, toddlers build physical strength, sharpen their minds, and develop social and emotional skills. Let’s explore why play is so important during the toddler years and how you can encourage learning while keeping playtime fun.
The Hidden Work Behind Toddler Play
To adults, toddler play can look like pure entertainment. In reality, your child is hard at work. Whether they’re racing around the playground, pretending to cook in a toy kitchen, or splashing in the bath, toddlers are constantly developing essential abilities. They’re learning how to solve problems, expanding their vocabulary, navigating social interactions, and grasping early concepts related to math and science—all while using their imagination.
Making space for plenty of play allows toddlers to grow in powerful ways. Below, we’ll look at how play changes as toddlers grow, suggest enriching play activities, and share tips for creating a toddler playgroup.
How Play Develops During the Toddler Years
As children move from infancy into toddlerhood, their play becomes more complex and interactive.
12–18 months
At this age, toddlers may be learning to walk and starting to say a few words. Play often includes simple finger games, clapping songs, and toys that can be pushed or pulled. Toward the end of this stage, children may begin showing interest in blocks, dolls, and basic pretend play.
Around 24 months
With increased confidence in movement, toddlers enjoy kicking balls, stacking blocks, scribbling with crayons, and moving toys around. Parallel play becomes common—your toddler may play alongside other children without directly engaging with them.
Around 36 months
As toddlers approach age three, social interaction increases. They begin participating in associative play, such as sharing toys or taking turns. Pretend play becomes more detailed, and they start to understand and follow simple game rules.
Play Ideas That Support Learning and Creativity
Flashcards and drills aren’t necessary—toddlers learn best through hands-on play. As your child’s primary play partner, you can boost learning by talking about what they’re doing and asking open-ended questions. For example, ask about their drawing or invite them to expand a pretend story.
Here are some play activities that encourage development:
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Shape Sorters: Help toddlers recognize shapes, colours, and sizes while building problem-solving skills.
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Pretend Tea Parties: Imaginative play promotes sharing, communication, and social awareness as toddlers “host” guests.
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Outdoor Playgrounds: Running, climbing, and sliding improve balance, coordination, and physical confidence while introducing basic concepts like speed and gravity.
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Push-and-Pull Toys: These toys strengthen gross motor skills and spark imagination as toddlers invent stories while moving them around.
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Puzzles: Simple puzzles with large pieces help develop fine motor skills, logic, and early language skills.
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Art Activities: Crayons, finger paints, play dough, and markers offer creative outlets and sensory exploration—perfect for indoor days.
How Much Play Do Toddlers Need?
Toddlers between 12 and 36 months thrive on movement. Aim for at least 30 minutes of guided physical activity each day, such as playing ball, riding a tricycle, or climbing play structures. In addition, toddlers should enjoy at least one hour of free, unstructured play, allowing them to explore and create independently.
Long periods of inactivity aren’t ideal at this stage. Frequent opportunities to move, explore, and play help toddlers release energy and learn naturally.
Creating a Toddler Playgroup
Playgroups offer valuable social experiences for toddlers and connection for parents. If one isn’t available nearby, starting your own can be simple and rewarding.
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Set Clear Details: Decide how often you’ll meet, where gatherings will take place, and choose times that work well for naps and meals.
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Choose the Right Size: Four to six children is usually ideal—large enough for interaction but small enough to avoid overwhelm.
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Stay Flexible: Toddlers have different personalities and energy levels, so be prepared for a variety of play styles.
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Create Guidelines: Agree on rules about snacks, allergies, toy sharing, illness, and cancellations to avoid confusion.
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Keep It Short at First: Begin with brief meet-ups and increase the length as children and parents become more comfortable.
Tips for Parents During Playtime
Even if toddler play isn’t always thrilling for you, there are ways to stay engaged and make playtime rewarding.
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Join Them at Their Level: Physically getting down on the floor helps you see the world through your toddler’s eyes and strengthens your connection.
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Keep Play Sessions Brief: Short, enthusiastic interactions are more meaningful than long stretches of distracted play.
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Suggest Activities You Enjoy: Reading, colouring, or building together can be fun for both of you and keep your toddler engaged.
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Allow Independent Play: Toddlers often enjoy playing alongside you rather than directly with you. Stay nearby and offer encouragement when needed.
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Turn Chores into Play: Let your toddler copy you using toy tools or kid-safe versions of household items—they love feeling helpful.
What to Expect During Toddler Play
Mess, noise, and emotional outbursts are all part of toddler play. Transitions between activities can be challenging, and conflicts during playdates are common. Behaviours like grabbing, hitting, or biting often reflect normal developmental stages.
When issues arise, remain calm. Gently reinforce boundaries, redirect attention, and introduce new activities if needed. If tensions continue, ending a playdate early is perfectly acceptable.
Final Thoughts
Play is the foundation of toddler learning and development. Through imaginative play, physical activity, and social interaction, toddlers build the skills they need to thrive. By offering a variety of play opportunities and staying involved in ways that feel natural, you’re helping your child do their most important work—learning through play.