Hands up if you remember playing ‘house’ when you were a kid? You probably had a favourite toy that you pretended was your baby, or maybe you would use every stick and leaf in the backyard as pretend money at your very own cafe. Whatever it was, imaginative play is an important part of growing up. And there's good reason for that! Imaginative play helps kids to develop essential skills like creative thinking, problem solving, and social interaction. So how can you encourage your little ones to engage in more pretend play? Read on for our tips. And who knows - you might just have some fun yourself in the process! Imaginative Play in Kids: Why it Matters Most of us have heard about imaginative play before, but what exactly is it? Imagination is a powerful ability that helps kids understand the world around them. The science is pretty clear: when kids are encouraged to use their imaginations often, they can investigate novel concepts, overcome obstacles, and grow vital social and emotional skills. All pretty important stuff! One way kids can exercise their imaginations is through imaginative play. This can take many forms, from make-believe games to pretend cooking or dressing up. It's a fun way for kids to explore different roles and perspectives, try out new things, and express themselves creatively. This helps them to understand the complexities of the world around them and develop empathy for others. Imaginative play is also an important part of cognitive development. As kids "pretend" to experience different situations, they are actually building critical thinking skills and learning how to handle emotions. This type of play also helps children practice cooperation and turn-taking. One of the best parts about imaginative play is how it helps kids work through big feelings. Kids might be feeling nervous about visiting the doctor or have concerns over a sick pet. By playing out different scenarios and pretending to be someone else, like a doctor or vet, kids can process current events in their lives and better understand the world around them. Imaginative play gives kids the opportunity to express emotions in a safe environment without judgement or consequence. So the next time your child wants to build a fort out of blankets or have a tea party with their stuffed animals, encourage them to let their imaginations run wild! They’re not just playing pretend; they may very well be trying to understand the world around them. How to encourage imaginative play in your kids There’s lots of easy ways to encourage imaginary play in your kids. By providing some simple props or set-ups, you can help spark their creativity and allow them to explore new worlds. Kids can use their imagination to use everyday objects in new and creative ways. Trust us, you already have everything you need! Here are just a few examples of imaginative play scenarios that kids will love:Pretend you're a chef and cook up some delicious food for your family or friends. Use play foods or even real ingredients to make pretend dishes Be a rock star and put on a concert for your stuffed animals or dolls. Use household items like pots and pans as drums, or grab some actual musical instruments if you have themCreate an obstacle course in your backyard or in your living room. Climb over furniture, jump through hoops, crawl under blankets - anything goes! Transform your home into a castle, fort, spaceship, or any other place you can think of. Explore every nook and cranny and have some fun!If you're looking for a gift for your child, consider one that will encourage their imagination! Here are our top picks for kids’ gifts that dial up creative play:A dressing up box filled with fun costumes and accessories. Encourage them to use their imaginations to come up with creative ways to dress up A pretend play set, such as a tea set, doctor's kit or construction set. These sets provide endless opportunities for imagination and funA blank notebook or sketchpad. Encourage your child to draw, write stories or keep a journal. This is a great way to ignite their creativityA few simple props, such as scarves, hats or puppets. These can be used in all sorts of imaginative play scenariosA toy kitchen or playhouse. Kids will love coming up with their own recipes or stories as they play in their pretend kitchen or house Roadway puzzle or train set for hours of moving, building and creatingUnstructured time unlocks imaginative play It's no secret that kids today are growing up in a world of constant stimulation. From after-school activities to screen time, there's always something for them to do. While it's important for kids to stay busy, it's also essential that they have some unstructured time each day. This is when they can be creative, use their imaginations, and just be kids. It might seem like they're just hanging out or doing nothing, but this free time is actually an important opportunity for them to learn and grow. So next time your kid complains of being bored, resist the urge to find them something to do. Instead, let them enjoy the benefits of some good old-fashioned downtime. Boredom is an opportunity for creative play!Encouraging your kids to use their imaginations through play is one of the best things you can do for their development. It helps them learn how to think creatively, solve problems, and understand the world around them. Plus, it's just plain fun Provide your kid with everything they need to be creative and watch them go wild! At Kidzta, we have a range of imaginative play ideas to spark their imaginations.