No doubt, discovering and playing with new toys is exciting for both kids and adults. In 2014, Americans spent an estimated $22 billion on toys. We find action figures, cars, dolls, digital toys, building blocks, board games — the list goes on — valuable enough to devote our money, time and living space to them. […]

Even if you don’t have the time or the desire to get on the floor and play for hours on end, you can still be a playful parent by incorporating playfulness into your day. Try these quick and easy ways to be playful, and everyone can have some fun. 1. Sing. Get playful singing songs with […]

We often hear how important it is to read to our kids to help them develop strong literacy skills. Play is also important! It’s how kids learn, and pretend play — where kids reenact or make up stories through play — is an excellent literacy-builder. It’s basically writing, in an age-appropriate way. Kids are “writing” […]

Maybe you think of yourself as more serious than playful. Perhaps your schedule is jam-packed with housekeeping, work, caring for other kids or getting family members from one place to another, leaving little time for play. Or maybe you just don’t want to play (or play AGAIN!) You can be a playful parent without spending […]

Play is totally portable and doesn’t have to require any perfectly planned Pinterest activities for kids to have fun and get the great benefits play provides. Try these three easy, free ways to play this weekend. It’ll be fun for everyone! 1. Build something. Pull out the wooden blocks or LEGOs and build together. But you […]

Are kids naturally imaginative? Have a little chat with a 2-year-old, and you’ll probably get a glimpse into a pretty impressive imagination. As kids get older, different factors come into play that may dampen their imaginations: peer pressure, media influences or lack of time, just to name a few. Still, parents can take some steps […]

The best toys — toys that inspire kids to create, to be active, to imagine — aren’t bound by gender. Here are some of our favorites for kids from toddler to tween. 1. Musical Instruments Musical instruments, either purchased as a boxed set or chosen individually, are great for kids to play together or with […]

A day in the city with kids may be part of your regular routine — especially if the city is where you call home — or it may just happen only occasionally. Either way, there’s always room for play! Check out these five tips for playing in the city. 1. Let getting there be part […]

This week, the toy industry’s eyes were on New York City for Toy Fair. What will be the craze of 2015? A look back over the past four decades of toy crazes shows some interesting trends in the standouts, with electronic gaming systems and plush toys dominating. Take a trip down memory lane with these toys […]

As parents, it’s sometimes hard to know if we’re playing with our kids enough. Younger kids certainly want and need more involvement from parents when it comes to play — and they may ask for you to play with them constantly! — but older kids often prefer to play with friends or alone. Toca Magazine talked […]