Imagination and the ability to dream allows the emergence of possibility, life, and a textured reality to unfold. When children have the opportunity for unstructured free play, and the time to dive deep into their imagination, their play then becomes rich and colorful, filled with creative learning. Through play - imagination is ignited and children are emboldened to take calculated risks, often without real life consequence, which provides them the opportunity to practice working through emotions and integrating their lived experience. It is no surprise that imaginative play supports cognitive, social, emotional, physical and language development.

Imaginative Play in Early Childhood

Play allows children to learn about and make sense of their world. Through this infinite medium, children are able to try on different roles and act out different situations in a setting that is safe for them to make “mistakes”. For example, when children play sword fights with real sticks, children are actually trying not to harm each other. They are mustering every ounce of restraint possible to make this game fun and compatible with their peers. When themes of high intensity enter a child’s imaginative play, more often than not, that child is working on establishing emotional regulation and integration - a life skill that must be developed over time. For instance, a fear response, which elicits the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), is brilliantly woven into a child’s play as they practice, often again and again, what to do when they are scared. You may see this present in a game of chase, monsters, or bad guys. Children will work as many avenues through play so they know what pathways are available to them or not and if other opportunities are present (hello neuroplasticity!). Without hesitation, we as educators, care givers, guardians, and intergenerational community members know imagination supports the cognitive development of a child through problem solving and making meaning of one’s world.

“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world” - Albert Einstein

Early childhood is full of wonder, a dreamyness, and slow paced nature which allows one’s imagination to unfurl. From this nest of wonder where imagination rests - all things are possible. Children can summit Mt. Everest while turning into jaguars who swim in the deep sea…all while riding their pegasus who breathes fiery icicles at the bad guys who attempt to take them prisoner. Unbenounced to most, this type of play is full of risk, danger, fear, bravery, deep care, adventure, sets a moral compass, deepens camaraderie, elevates joy, beckons negotiations, while providing emotional release as a tear or two are shed and prompt the need for a band aid. Imaginative, unstructured play supports children in developing essential skills for the highs, lows, and in between moments of life.

Given the color and vastness of imagination within the young child, it is no surprise that our natural world is one of the best environments for children to engage in unstructured free play - child initiated - free play.  Children need a rich and stimulating environment - one that is not over stimulating. Our Mother Earth provides this in perfect balance. Our Earth is sensory rich while being open ended and children have to rely on their creativity. Every stick, stone, tree, leaf, insect, and wisp of air become a prop for the sake of play and can be used in endless ways where everything goes. Today we are fortunate to see the scientific data support the mission of play-based, earth-based and outdoor education for children.

The Value of Allowing Controlled Risk 

Looking to the tween and teen years, allowing controlled risk-taking in a supervised environment allows youth the chance to access and navigate real-world challenges. Youth learn to evaluate risks, adapt, and make safe decisions, which are all important skills to carry into adulthood where the stakes may be higher. In adolescence, play is a powerful tool for growth, self-discovery, and connection. At this age, youth are testing limits, exploring identities, and learning to balance freedom with responsibility. Curating spaces where tweens and teens can play in ways that feel authentic creates resilience, develops critical problem-solving skills, and nurtures healthy relationships. Ultimately, the need to expand one’s definition of play to include young people of all ages and to embrace the diverse ways tweens and teens express their playful energy. It’s important to note, play is not something we grow out of; it is a part of us we tend. To navigate the challenges of adolescence - play is a supportive aid especially when shared in community.

Imaginative Play in Teen Spaces 

During the Play Matters Collective Summit a panel of children and young people shared their insights on play. One panellist, a 13-year-old girl, said something that stood out:

“I want to use my imagination more than follow rules.”

Her words reflect the deep need young people have to explore their creativity and freedom through play. 

Reimagining and Adapting: A Key Part of Play 

In a nutshell, children need to cultivate their imaginations. Our world and beautiful planet need our children to be able to access their imaginations as long as possible and hopefully their whole lives. In time, our children will face real world problems as they mature and they will need to use their imaginations to solve those problems, to imagine solutions that yet exist. It is in our children and their imaginations our vocation is invested.