Types of Play by Age

Infant (0–1y)

Play: Solitary

Infant plays alone

• Ex. Uses a rattle; Looks in the mirror

Toddler (1–3y)

Play: Parallel

Child plays independently but next to other children

• Ex. A child plays with blocks next to another child but is not building the same structure or playing with the other child

Preschooler (3–6y)

Play: Associative

A group of children participate in similar or identical activities without formal organization, group direction, group interaction, or a defined goal

• Ex. Preschoolers pretending to play “house” together; Role mimicry

School age (6–12y)

Play: Team/organized

Play which is ordered by rules, has structure or hierarchy, and mutual collaboration to achieve formed goals

• Ex. Playing sports on a school sports team; Playing a board game

Adolescent (12–19y)

Play: In your face (I’m joking)

N/A