The Benefits of Open Ended Play

If you have a little one under five, you have probably noticed their magic trick. Give them a few simple bits and pieces, and they will turn them into a whole world. That is open ended play in action. Instead of telling children what to do, open ended materials invite them to explore, imagine, and create in their own way. At Bear and Cub, we design our space around this kind of play because it supports calmer sessions, deeper focus, and real learning that lasts.

What is open ended play?

Open ended play uses materials with no single right answer and no fixed outcome. Think blocks, scarves, playdough, loose parts, pretend food, cardboard tubes, and simple costumes. Children decide the story, the rules, and the result. It looks simple, but it is powerful.

Why it matters for brains under five

• Builds executive function: When children plan a tower, try it, and adjust after it falls, they practice working memory, flexible thinking, and self control. Research on early childhood shows these skills are strong predictors of school readiness and later life outcomes.

• Strengthens attention span: Child led play increases time on task because motivation is intrinsic. Studies of play based classrooms show longer sustained attention during open exploration compared with adult directed tasks.

• Language growth: Open pretend play prompts more back and forth talk, new words, and narrative skills. Observational research finds richer vocabulary and more complex sentences when children lead the story.

• Creativity and problem solving: With no fixed path, children test ideas, combine materials, and find multiple solutions. This kind of divergent thinking is linked to innovation later on.

• Emotional regulation: Open ended play offers a safe way to process big feelings. Repeating scenarios and controlling the pace helps children practice calming strategies and feel competent, which lowers stress behaviours.

• Motor development: Scooping rice, rolling dough, stacking blocks, and clipping pegs build fine and gross motor skills, supporting handwriting, self care, and body confidence.

What the science says, in plain language

• Play is the primary way young children learn. Reviews of early childhood research consistently show that child led, hands on play boosts cognitive, social, and language outcomes compared with drill based instruction in the early years.

• Pretend play supports self regulation. Experiments where children take on roles, like pretending to be a character, show improved persistence and delay of gratification because the role creates a little distance from frustration.

• Less can be more. Studies on toy quantity find children engage longer and more creatively when fewer toys are available at once. Rotating simple materials can increase creativity and reduce overwhelm.

• Sensory play supports attention and calm. Tactile play like dough, water, and sand engages the senses in ways that can lower arousal and help children reset, especially in thoughtfully designed spaces.

What this looks like at Bear and Cub

• Loose parts stations: Natural materials children can sort, pour, stack, and transform.

• Play dough stations: Tools for rolling, cutting, stamping, and building little worlds.

• Imaginative corners: A home corner and cubbies, inviting little imaginations every visit.

• Gentle pacing: Soft lighting, clear sight lines, and quiet nooks so children feel safe to explore at their own rhythm.

• Caregiver friendly: You can sit nearby, sip a coffee, and join the play when invited. Your presence is the secure base that helps curiosity bloom.

How to support open ended play at home

• Offer simple materials: Blocks, scarves, cardboard boxes, wooden spoons, bowls, and recycled containers.

• Follow their lead: Describe what you see, add a new word, or wonder out loud rather than directing.

• Rotate rather than add: Put some toys away and swap weekly to keep ideas fresh.

• Set a calm frame: A tray, mat, or low table signals the play zone and helps focus.

• Embrace the mess within reason: Keep a damp cloth nearby and let exploration happen.

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Why parents love it

Open ended play is easier on everyone. There are fewer batteries, fewer instructions, and fewer meltdowns. Children get the deep satisfaction of making decisions and seeing their ideas come to life. Parents get a calmer child, richer conversation, and more meaningful, screen free time together.

Book your next play session here

We are Bendigo’s only play centre designed just for ages 0 to 5. Come see how a calm, beautifully simple set up can spark long stretches of independent play. Check session times and book ahead to secure your spot.