by Kathy Eugster
September 19, 2025
Play has always been a cornerstone of childhood, but the way children play is constantly evolving. From building forts with couch cushions to exploring digital worlds with friends across the globe, play reflects the times we live in. For today’s parents, understanding new innovations in play can help us guide our children toward experiences that balance fun, creativity, and healthy development.
Blended Play: Where Physical Meets Digital
One of the biggest shifts in recent years has been the rise of toys and games that combine physical and digital play. These activities invite children to move, build, and imagine in the real world while also engaging with technology to help develop tech literacy without losing the benefits of physical play that strengthens motor and social skills. The following are a few examples that combine digital and physical play:
- Nature exploration and identification apps (Seek by iNaturalist to identify animals, plants, and fungi, and Merlin bird Identification app from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
- Activity trackers
- Age-appropriate movement (e.g., yoga or dance) and sports or fitness games or apps
- Walkie-talkies
- Go-Pro cameras
- Geocaching uses a geocaching phone app to find hidden “caches”
STEM and STEAM Play
Parents are increasingly seeing toys and activities designed to spark curiosity in science, technology, engineering, art, and math. These activities let kids experiment, test ideas, and explore how things work all while having fun. What once felt like schoolwork is now built into playful exploration. Some examples include:
- Interactive and robot toys that are programmable such as interactive pets and coding robots
- Lego or magnetic building kits
- Electronic building, coding, and robotics kits that introduce children to programming and robotics in a fun way and may combine physical building tasks with digital elements
- Educational software tailored for children’s learning, covering subjects like math, science, and language
Eco-Friendly Play
Many toy companies are now creating sustainable, eco-conscious toys. From biodegradable building blocks to toys and board games made of recycled materials, these innovations not only reduce environmental impact but also teach children to care for the planet.
Even outdoor play itself is being re-imagined. For example, natural playgrounds, outdoor schools, and adventure programs are giving kids the chance to connect deeply with nature. For more information on the benefits of nature play, please see When You Go Out to the Woods Today, You’re in for Family Nature Play!
Inclusive Play for Every Child
One of the most exciting innovations is the push toward inclusivity in toys and play spaces. These shifts promote empathy, acceptance, and a stronger sense of belonging and self-esteem. Here are some examples of inclusive play:
- Dolls or miniature play figures with diverse body types, skin tones, abilities, and preferences help children see themselves and others reflected in their play
- Adaptive playground equipment and switch-adapted toys ensure children of all abilities can play together
- Toys that engage multiple senses, such as tactile puzzles or musical instruments, benefit children with sensory disabilities
- Toys incorporating communication aids, such as picture cards or voice output devices, help children express themselves
- Adaptive art supplies enable children with fine motor challenges to engage in artistic expression
Collaborative and Global Play
Play is no longer limited to the backyard or local playgrounds. Digital platforms allow children to create, build, and play collaboratively with peers across the world. Whether designing a virtual world or solving puzzles as a team, kids learn cooperation, cultural awareness, and digital communication skills.
Mindful and Emotional Play
Innovations in play are also focusing on children’s mental health. Board games, card games, and digital apps designed to teach mindfulness, emotional intelligence, relaxation, and coping skills are on the rise. Play is becoming a tool not just for entertainment, but for supporting resilience, self-awareness, and emotional growth.
Final Thoughts
In this Blog, I do not include social media in the definition of digital play or digital toys. Social media, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, TikTok, etc., are interactive technologies that facilitate the creation and sharing of content through virtual communities. Social media use is not appropriate for children, and it is generally recommended that children be at least 13 years old before using social media.
However, innovations in play can add new layers of creativity, inclusivity, and learning opportunities. As parents, we can embrace these changes by offering a mix of traditional and newer forms of play, helping our children benefit from the best of both worlds. The future of play is really about supporting children in becoming curious, confident, and connected human beings.
For more information on the benefits of digital play, please see Children’s Play and Toys in the Digital Era
You may want to consider this:
If you are interested in learning more about parent-child playtime, please see my book, Play Skills for Parents: Connecting With Your Child Through Play.
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Copyright Kathy Eugster, MA, 2025.
Please feel free to pass on this article to anyone you think might find it useful.
Contact me at: keugster@telus.net