The Power of Play: The Importance of Play in Early Childhood

Play is often seen as the “fun” part of childhood, but decades of research confirm that it’s also the most essential. Through play, children develop critical cognitive, social, emotional, and physical skills that shape their lifelong learning and well-being. The importance of play in early childhood truly cannot be overstated.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2018), play is not just a way for children to pass time. It is vital to healthy brain development. Unstructured, imaginative play encourages problem-solving, collaboration, and self-regulation. When children engage in open-ended activities like building, storytelling, or sensory exploration, they are constructing meaning, developing language, and learning how to navigate the world.

As psychologist Jean Piaget once said:

“Play is the work of childhood.”

Research also shows that early play experiences can have lasting academic benefits. A longitudinal study by Lillard et al. (2017) found that children in play-based preschool environments demonstrated stronger executive functioning and better academic outcomes than peers in more rigid, academically focused classrooms.

Moreover, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) emphasizes that developmentally appropriate, play-centered environments foster deeper engagement and resilience. Children learn best when they are active participants in meaningful, hands-on experiences—not just passive recipients of instruction.

At Boundless Play Toys, we craft each of our products to support this kind of deep, joyful learning. Whether it's a sensory tray, lacing toy, or wooden figure, our toys are designed to invite exploration, storytelling, and creativity—because play isn’t a break from learning. It is learning.

Let’s give childhood the space it needs to thrive—through boundless, purposeful play.

References

• American Academy of Pediatrics (2018). The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children.

• Lillard, A. S., et al. (2017). The impact of pretend play on children’s development: A review of the evidence. Psychological Bulletin.

• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Developmentally Appropriate Practice.