The 10 Types of Play Every Parent Should Know (Birth to Age 5)

As a pediatric speech-language pathologist, one of my favorite things to tell parents is this: “Playing is LEARNING!” From the moment they’re born, children learn through movement, exploration, and imagination. But not all play looks the same—different types of play support different areas of development.

Here’s a warm, guided tour through the types of play your child will naturally explore from birth through age 5. Plus how you can support them along the way!

1. Unoccupied Play (Birth–3 months)

At this stage, your baby may seem like they’re just wiggling or staring—but they’re discovering how their body works! You might see them gaze at ceiling fans, kick their legs, or move their arms randomly. This is the beginning of motor planning and sensory awareness.

Try this: Give your baby plenty of time on a safe play mat. Use high-contrast toys or black-and-white images to catch their eye. Gently move their arms and legs during diaper changes and talk to them as you go: “You’re kicking your legs! Stretch, stretch!”

2. Solitary Play (Birth–2 years)

Solitary play means your child plays alone. Stacking blocks, flipping through a board book, playing with a toy animal alone. This isn’t a bad thing—in fact, it’s essential! Independent play helps build focus, creativity, and confidence.

Try this: Set up a small basket of toys or books for your child to explore independently. Sit close by and narrate what they’re doing: “You’re turning the page!” or “That’s a big red truck!” You’re supporting language even if you’re not directing the play.

3. Onlooker Play (2–3 years)

Have you noticed your child standing off to the side, just watching others play? That’s onlooker play! Children at this stage are soaking in social rules and learning how play “works” before joining in.

Try this: Go to the park or plan a small playdate. If your child seems hesitant, sit with them and describe what others are doing: “She’s pushing the truck!” or “They’re making a big tower.” Model simple language like “Can I try?” without forcing interaction.

4. Symbolic Play (Around 18+ months)

This is when your child starts using objects to represent other things. For example, Using a block as a phone or pretending a spoon is a car. It’s an early step into pretend play—and a big sign of cognitive and language growth!

Try this: Offer open-ended toys like blocks, plastic animals, or household items like cups or socks. When your child shows interest, expand their play by joining in: “Ring, ring! Who’s calling?” or “That spoon car is so fast!”

5. Pretend/Imaginative Play (2.5+ years)

Your little one may now play house, dress up as superheroes, or act out stories. Pretend play helps children understand the world, take on different perspectives, and use rich language.

Try this: Create a pretend bin with dress-up clothes, stuffed animals, pretend food, or cardboard boxes. Let your child lead the story, and add to it with questions like, “What should we cook for dinner?” or “Is the dragon friendly?”

6. Parallel Play (2–3 years)

Kids at this stage play near each other but not quite together. Think of two toddlers pushing toy cars side-by-side without interacting much. This is a healthy stepping stone to more social types of play.

Try this: Set up two of the same toys (two sets of blocks, two dolls, etc.) and invite a peer to play side-by-side. Narrate both children’s actions gently: “You’re building a tower, and he’s building a garage.” This helps build awareness and social connection over time.

7. Associative Play (3–4 years)

In associative play, children interact more, share materials, and begin forming friendships—but there’s not always a shared goal. For example, coloring at the same table and chatting.

Try this: Invite children to work on art side-by-side or play with a shared sensory bin. Say things like, “Can you pass her the blue crayon?” or “You both have purple playdough—what are you making?” This helps promote collaboration and conversation.

8. Cooperative Play (4+ years)

Now your child begins truly playing together with others: building forts, playing games with rules, or acting out scenes with assigned roles. This play strengthens language, problem-solving, teamwork, and emotional understanding.

Try this: Offer simple board games, fort-building materials (blankets, pillows, chairs), or group pretend play ideas like “grocery store” or “animal clinic.” You can model phrases like, “Let’s take turns” or “What’s our plan?”

9. Constructive Play (12 months–5 years)

Constructive play overlaps all stages—it’s all about building and creating. This might look like stacking blocks, completing puzzles, or molding playdough into animals.

Try this: Provide building materials like magnetic tiles or recycled cardboard boxes. Ask open-ended questions: “What are you building?” or “How many pieces do you need next?” Encourage trial and error with gentle encouragement.

10. Physical & Sensory Play (Birth +)

Movement is essential for healthy brain development. Whether your child is rolling, crawling, dancing, climbing, or tumbling—this type of play helps them make sense of their body in space and strengthens their brain-body connection.

Sensory play is a natural extension of physical play. Things like finger painting, splashing in water, squishing playdough, jumping in leaves, or walking barefoot on different textures all help children explore the world through touch, sound, movement, and even smell. These sensory experiences are especially important for helping little ones regulate their emotions, stay engaged, and build new vocabulary.

Try this: Create obstacle courses, set up a splash bin, or take your child outside barefoot to explore grass, dirt, or sand. Let them jump, dance, and move freely. Talk about what they’re feeling: “That mud is squishy!” or “The water is cold!”

No matter your child’s age or stage, play is how they learn best. Every peek-a-boo, every block tower, every make-believe tea party is building their brain, their language, and their relationships.

At Monarch Speech and Language Institute, we help families tap into the power of play to support development in joyful, meaningful ways. Want more tips? Follow us on Instagram or schedule a parent coaching consult today—we’re here for you.

If you’re looking for more personalized support or have questions about your child’s language development, don’t hesitate to reach out.

With care,

Eliana Provenzano-Lewis, M.S., CCC-SLP
Bilingual Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist
Founder, Monarch Speech and Language Institute

Tulsa, Oklahoma
(918) 918-840-0870
www.monarch-tulsa.com