“Pretend play doesn’t need to be complicated or instructional,” Vasilopoulos said. “Using this kind of gentle, child‑led ...

From developing social skills to fostering creativity, pretend play in young children is likened to being a "metaphoric multivitamin" in an editorial published in the journal Neuroscience and ...

When a child turns a cardboard box into a spaceship, or a stick into a magic wand, it may look like simple fun. But beneath the giggles and dramatic voices, something far more powerful may be ...

“Let’s pretend to be…” is commonly heard from young children as they play and interact at school, daycare, or at home. Many adults encourage imagination and creativity but others are afraid that ...

Can pretend play prevent childhood anxiety? Research finds that imaginative toddlers have fewer behavioral issues in primary school.

Pretend play isn’t just fun—it’s a powerful tool for your child’s growth. From sparking creativity to building empathy and problem-solving skills, it shapes social, emotional, and cognitive ...

Colorado kids are built for outdoor time, and WOW! accounts for that with a dedicated outdoor area that gives the museum ...

A new study has uncovered the ways different types of play are linked to children's social abilities and brain activity. The research, conducted by researchers at King's College London and Cardiff ...

A University of Sydney study of more than 1,400 Australian children found that toddlers with strong pretend play skills are less likely to develop emotional or behavioral issues by primary school. The ...

Bonobos are seen during the reopening of Cologne's zoo during the coronavirus crisis on May 5, 2020 in Cologne, Germany. - Jörg Schüler/Getty Images Children love to play pretend, holding imaginary ...