What is Open-Ended Play & How Does It Boost Brain Development?
To a kid, a cardboard box isn’t recycling—it’s rocket fuel for the imagination. One minute, that magical cube can be a spaceship, the next a castle, and by dinner it’s a time machine.
All it takes is some open-ended play and creativity.
Open-ended play helps our minds come alive with wild ideas and clever fixes to new problems—no rules or instruction books needed, thank you. That’s why this type of free play is so important for budding brains: It helps them grapple with new ideas and stretch the imagination in ways they never thought possible.
So, what does open-ended play look like, exactly? And how does all that playful pretending help with important skills for growth?
Here, we’ll unpack the positives of open-ended play and share toys and tips to help your young ones—and maybe even you!—jump into your own unstructured adventures.
What is open-ended play?
Open-ended play is unstructured playtime where there are no fixed rules, no “right” answers, and no single way to do it. Instead of following step-by-step instructions, kids lead the way—turning a cardboard box into a spaceship, building stacking blocks into castles, or inventing crafts from everyday items. Because there’s no set outcome, open-ended activities encourage imagination, problem-solving, and creative exploration, making them essential for brain development and lifelong learning.
The result? Play that sparks imagination, exploration, and limitless creativity.
It sounds simple, but many kids might mostly be used to structured play. You know, the kind of play that comes with clear directions and goals, like scoring points in soccer or finishing puzzles that match the picture on the box. Sure, this kind of play has its benefits, too. But don’t forget to add in time for open-ended activities: They let kids (and kids at heart) follow their interests and set their own rules—or create no rules at all.
What are the benefits of open-ended play?
Open-ended play is about more than just having fun—but don’t worry, that is one of the most important parts! Free time to dream and explore can have a big impact on little brains for years to come by helping with:
Brain development
Self-directed play invites kids to tinker, test out ideas, and invent their own solutions. Without adults to set the rules, they’re free to make their own decisions and let their creative minds roam.
Language and communication skills
In free play, kids can work together to build stories and worlds—whether they’re playing house or exploring other planets. But how do they get their big ideas across? By stretching their language skills, of course. Even if it’s as simple as, “I’ll take this part!” or “Look! An alien creature!”, they can learn to communicate their thoughts and help others see the world through their eyes.
Confidence and independence
Self-led activities are vital for boosting confidence. Instead of just following an instruction book, kids are empowered to make their own decisions, follow their instincts, and take risks. Remember, open-ended play isn’t about perfection. It’s about testing new ideas and seeing how they play out.
Emotional regulation
Independent play can be a safe space for big emotions. Kids can explore new perspectives by acting out different roles and characters. They can learn how to regulate their emotional responses to frustrating challenges. And, of course, they simply unwind after a busy day of following adults’ rules!
Examples of open-ended play
Open-ended play can take many forms. That’s the whole point, isn’t it? It’s up to the instinct and imagination of the kid playing.
Need more specifics? We’ve got you. Here are just a few examples of how kids and kids at heart might approach unstructured play:
- Building a fort at home using on-hand, everyday objects like blankets, pillows, and chairs.
- Collecting shells on the beach and stringing them into a necklace or turning them into a mosaic.
- Creating a theater performance from scratch with makeshift costumes and sets, either with friends or as a solo show.
- Engaging in sensory play with malleable materials like sand, mud, and bubble wrap.
- Using dolls and action figures to create fun scenarios and little worlds.
- Constructing a futuristic city using building toys, complete with flying cars or movie-inspired monsters.
5 best toys and materials for open-ended play
With so many open-ended toys to choose from, how do you know which options are best for your little ones?
To start, look for objects that are:
- Simple. The more basic the material, the more room there is to dream up how it can be used. As early education professor Jeffrey Trawick-Smith found in his research, “Basic is better. The highest-scoring toys [among families] so far have been quite simple.” Psychologist Kathy Hirsh-Pasek put it this way: "The best toys are 90% the kid, 10% the toy.”
- Variable. Find toys that leave room for interpretation. Psychotherapist Meghann Henderson said to ask questions like, “’Does this toy allow them to make choices about their play, or does it tell them how to play?’”
Looking for more inspiration? Check out these top picks for open-ended play:
1. Plus-Plus
With Plus-Plus, one shape unlocks a million possibilities. Build a dragon, a race car, or something no one’s ever seen before. Open Play sets hand you the keys to total creative freedom, while Learn To Build kits give you just enough inspiration to get started.
2. Play-Doh
Play-Doh can be molded and sculpted into different forms and creations—from everyday people and animals to fantastical creatures. Even just the act of squishing Play-Doh in your hands can tap into new sensory experiences and help with emotional regulation.
3. Art supplies
Paints, fabrics, beads, crayons, and more can all be used for self-expression and artistic exploration. Kids can use art supplies to create their own designs and discover new mediums they might enjoy. You don’t have to stock up at an art store, either. You can turn household objects like sponges, bottle caps, and popsicle sticks into elements of a new artistic project.
4. Wooden blocks
Kids can use blocks of different sizes, materials, and colors to experiment with building structures like towers and bridges. They can also develop problem-solving skills and fine motor skills by practicing ways to stack and balance blocks.
5. Objects in nature
Combine open-ended play with outdoor adventures by collecting natural materials like pine cones, leaves, sticks, and rocks. Use them to make pieces of art or create little formations. You can also get active by setting up obstacle courses or inventing stories using these objects as props.
How to encourage open-ended play for brain development
Yes, open-ended play is all about letting kids explore without direction. But there are still things parents, caregivers, and teachers can do to encourage this kind of freeform activity.
That’s where these helpful tips come in:
Make time and space for independent creativity
Sometimes, you need to create some structure to fuel unstructured play. That means carving out uninterrupted time in you and your kids’ schedules for free exploration and expression. Even if open-ended play doesn’t fit neatly into your calendar (few things may!) add a cushion in your schedule to allow kids to try out new ideas and get messy—within reason, of course.
Provide inspiring toys and materials
Make it as easy as possible for kids to play by keeping open-ended toys on-hand. Also, offer a range of options—like art supplies and natural materials—to see what kids gravitate towards the most. And if they seem to get bored with certain ones, rotate them out to keep the inspiration flowing.
Ask questions to spur curiosity
The key to encouraging open-ended play? Asking open-ended questions! Show your interest in what kids are doing by checking. For example, you might ask, “If you could build anything with these materials, what would you make?”, “What kind of story are you telling?”, or “What was your favorite part of playing with those toys?” Still, it’s important not to direct kids with your questions, but rather encourage their exploration.
Allow for mistakes
For guardians and teachers, it can be tempting to step in and help kids problem-solve or tackle certain challenges. But remember that there’s no right or wrong in open-ended play. In fact, when kids come up against obstacles, that’s when their imaginations can really shine—allowing them to ideate “out of the box” strategies and solutions they might not think of in more rule-bound settings.
Set boundaries as needed
You want kids to feel safe enough to play independently and even get a little messy. To help, you can set up designated, hazard-free spaces where they can engage in open-ended play. For example, you might dedicate a well-lit room or corner in your home for crafting, or a fenced in part of your yard for outdoor activities.
Join in the fun!
Self-directed play doesn’t have to be solo play. Whether you’re working with your kid on the same project—and following their lead—or playing independently in the same space, just being there can help keep them engaged and inspired. So don’t be afraid to jump into the sandbox, set up your own canvas, or help build their newest creation. You might be surprised at what you can create together.
Open your world with open-ended play
Unstructured play is more than just free-flowing fun; it’s an essential part of creative expression and skill-building. Giving kids and “kidults” the time to explore without limits can help boost brain development and unlock a world of ideas—whether from a new toy you just discovered or the cardboard box (a.k.a. spaceship) that it came in.
Ready to discover the endless possibilities of play? Explore Plus-Plus Open Play Tubes to see what you and your little ones can create. No rules, no screens, just a world of imagination ready to be unleashed.
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