What is Unstructured Free Play?

Unstructured free play for children is often abruptly cut short by parents and preschool educators that believe structure and discipline are the keys to success. Clearly, children need to learn the importance of structure and discipline in order to successfully engage in compulsory education. However, when it comes to basic social, cognitive and emotional development, unstructured free play can be an important component of building a foundation for your child’s future: a gift that will impact your child’s development across his or her lifespan.

Although the term “unstructured free play” may seem self-explanatory, it is helpful to clarify what is meant by this term. Unstructured free play includes any activities that enable the child to create their own experiences without the aid of adults – e.g., parents, teachers, etc.

Left to their own devices, children will employ a unique set of skills and capabilities enabling them to interact with their external environment, identify what they enjoy and try new ideas for problem solving. As such, unstructured free play can include a wide range of activities that range from creating artwork, playing dress-up or playing outside. The central feature of unstructured free play is that it is not limited or directed by adults.

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