For kids, play is all about having fun! Moms, dads, pediatricians, and other experts know, however, that play is also essential in building strong bodies and minds, introducing them to problem-solving skills, broadening their personal creativity, and improving social bonds. Research shows that when babies and toddlers play, they are learning how to plan and organize, how to work well with others, and even how to cope with stress. These are life skills that will be developed and used throughout their growing up and adult years. Unfortunately, statistics show that the amount of time toddlers are given to play has been declining over the years. In fact, the average preschooler spends at least 4 ½ hours a day on some type of screen activity. Some pediatricians may even begin "prescribing" play for young children. It's time to bring back the value of play! Active physical play, whether indoor or outdoor, helps develop motor skills, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and allows children to use all their senses to build skills such as spatial awareness and balance. As many as three children can rock the afternoon away on our Metal Rocking Seesaw. Build castles and other sand creations in a Sandbox with Canopy for protecting from the sun and the elements. Practice beginning tumbling skills on the colorful Activity Gym Mat. If you’re introducing water play, the SunShade Pop Up Pool is perfect for ages 9 months and up, complete with a canopy to protect your little one from harmful UV rays. Set up the Inflatable Whale Sprinkler Pool, two fun water toys in one-a pool AND a sprinkler! When a child plays with a toy, they are using their sensory-motor skills to explore its properties and experiment with it-what a fun way to learn! They'll giggle to their heart’s content with our silly Animal Jabber Balls. Allow them time for creative construction with the Goobi Jr. Magnetic Construction Set. Don’t forget interactive toys such as the Talking and Giggling Peek-A-Boo Sillie, or Peek-A-Boo Bunny, Elephant, and Peter Rabbit. They’ll love the feeling they get when relaxing on the customer-favorite AquaPod (and watch the fish swim right under their toes!) Toddlers will love rocking on Goldie the Rocking Unicorn, or hopping on one of our Bouncy Inflatable Animal Jump-Alongs. When they're ready to get moving with their feet, introduce toddlers to the Pewi Elite Walker and Push Toy, perfect to use as a push toy, walker, or ride-on. When it comes to nap time, little ones love something soft to snuggle on. Try any of our Jumbo Snuggle Mats, or animal sleeping bags. If they want a buddy to snuggle up with, offer them a Snuggle Cat, Plush Bunny or Sloth, or one of our favorites-the Plush Unicorn LED Sound and Light Projector! Remember-giving your child plenty of time to play is the best way to help them grow into curious, creative, healthy and happy adults!