⚽ Sports and games ♟️ Games and hobbies
Play

📖 In short
Play is something we do for fun and enjoyment, but it's also very important for a healthy body and mind! When we play we move, think, imagine and learn how to get along with others, and we feel happy and relaxed.
🤩 Did you know?
- Play activities are sorted into three groups: physical, mental and sensory.
- Children need at least an hour of play and movement every day.
- Young animals play too, learning to hunt and jump.
- Playing outdoors is good for the eyes and the body.
🔎 Find out more
🌟 Movement games
Running, jumping, climbing, cycling, ball games and swimming strengthen the muscles and heart and make the body nimble and active.
🔍 Brain games
Puzzles, chess, crosswords and building and construction games exercise the brain and teach thinking, planning and patience.
💡 Imagination games
When we pretend to be doctors, cooks or astronauts, or build a house out of cushions, we use our imagination and learn a lot about life.
🎯 Playing together
Playing with friends teaches sharing, taking turns, following rules and settling arguments calmly. Traditional games like hopscotch and hide-and-seek are great fun in a group.
🧩 Test yourself
1 What does playing with friends teach us?
2 Which of these is a brain game?
3 Which picture shows “Play”?
⚽ Discover more
📷 Picture sources: Wikimedia Commons
- Brian Jeffery Beggerly from S'pore, Singapore · CC BY 2.0