The Best Toys for Independent Play at Any Age

Encourage independent play with these fun, educational, and versatile toys

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Verywell Family / Amelia Manley

When children play independently, they entertain, educate, and inspire themselves—all without the guidance of a parent or peer. This type of playtime is not only a breather for parents, but it’s an essential part of little ones’ development. Playing can improve a child’s ability to regulate emotions, cope with stress, get along with others, and gain more vital life skills. The best toys for independent play are age-appropriate, easy (and safe) for children to use alone, and encourage kids to use their imagination. 

We selected a list of the best toys for independent play after speaking with three child development experts and reviewing guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on the different types of play and how to encourage playtime for children. We also surveyed 875 parents to find out what toys and games their children play with, the brands of their children’s toys, and why their kids love to play with them (and how they interact with them). From play kitchens to inkless drawing boards, we researched dozens of toys on the market for kids of all ages.

Best Overall

LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box

Amazon LEGO Classic Large Creative Brick Box

Amazon

Pros
  • Timeless

  • Universally appealing for a wide age range

  • Comes with a storage box

Cons
  • No mini figures

Why We Recommend It

Legos are a timeless classic, and this large box with nearly 800 pieces ticks all the boxes our experts recommend in independent play toys. Rather than a prescriptive instruction manual (which can be both limiting and frustrating), this box encourages kids to build their own creations entirely using 33 different colored bricks, plus toy windows, doors, wheels, and more. Bonus: The box serves as its own toy storage solution.

Key Specs:

  • Age Range: 4 and up
  • Materials: Plastic

Best Budget

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket

Stomp Rocket Ultra Rocket

 Courtesy of Walmart

Pros
  • Soars up to 200 feet

  • Multiple buying options

  • Foam tips are soft

Cons
  • Actual launch height varies on wind and other factors

Why We Recommend It

This lightweight STEM toy is outdoor fun for kids of a wide range of ages. They’ll run, jump, and then stomp on these rockets to launch them up to 20 stories high (according to the packaging, but your mileage will vary). They require no batteries or fussy assembly. Each kit includes a stomp launcher and four foam-tipped rockets. 

Key Specs:

  • Age Range: 5 and up
  • Materials: Foam, plastic

Best for Babies

The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys

The First Years Stack Up Cup Toys

Amazon

Pros
  • Vibrant colors

  • Numbers on bottom of cups

  • Cups stack together

Cons
  • Two yellows

Why We Recommend It

The First Years Stack & Count Stacking Cups are versatile, brightly colored, and a favorite toy of the parents we surveyed. This toy set includes eight cups of seven different colors (there are two yellow cups) that feature numbers on the bottom to practice number recognition and counting. In addition, the cups feature holes of different shapes in the bottom, so littles can use these cups in the bathtub, too (with adult supervision, of course). 

Key Specs:

  • Age Range: 6 months and up
  • Materials: Plastic

Best Doll

Ahsen Toys Personalized Doll

Ahsen Toys Personalized Doll

Ahsen Toys

Pros
  • Fully customizable and unique

  • Antibacterial and anti allergenic

Cons
  • Longer shipping and delivery times

Why We Recommend It

This fully customizable doll is totally unique. Make it in your child’s likeness (or any style you choose) for inspired, self-esteem-building, independent play. Just send this Etsy maker a photo, and you’ll get a doll that can be personalized with features like eye color, hair color, and specific features like curly hair, dimples, and glasses. Plus, you can even get your child’s name embroidered on the doll’s clothes.

Key Specs:

  • Age Range: Not listed
  • Materials: 100% cotton yarn

Best Puzzle

Little Likes Kids Joyful Carousel Jumbo Puzzle

Little Likes Kids Joyful Carousel Jumbo Puzzle

Courtesy of Little Likes Kids

Pros
  • Black-owned business, founded by a mom

  • Budget-friendly

Cons
  • Not challenging enough for older children

Why We Recommend It

The Upbounders Joyful Carousel Puzzle has 24 pieces, just right to aid in brain development and memory, as well as motor skills. The charming carousel scene depicts ethnic and racial diversity. We like that the box features a rope handle, making it a travel-friendly toy.

Key Specs:

  • Age Range: 3-5 years
  • Materials: Cardboard

Best for Pretend Play

Melissa & Doug Wooden Chef’s Pretend Play Kitchen

Melissa & Doug Wooden Chef’s Pretend Play Toy Kitchen

Amazon

Pros
  • Easy to assemble

  • Includes room for toy storage

  • Sturdy

Cons
  • Large

Why We Recommend It

A play kitchen is a perennial favorite for kids, with endless potential for pretend play. The Melissa & Doug Wooden Chef's Pretend Kitchen contains an oven, stove, microwave, sink, refrigerator, freezer, and even a play version of an ice dispenser. In this set, the dials really turn, and the microwave plate spins. It also includes a grocery checklist, movable hooks, and doors that open and close.

Key Specs:

  • Age Range: 3 years and up
  • Materials: Wood

Best for Sensory Play

CMY Cubes Color Cube

CMY Cubes Color Cube

CMY Cubes

Pros
  • Great for autistic kids

  • Multisensory

Cons
  • Stand sold separately

Why We Recommend It

CMY Cubes appear to create a continually changing spectrum of color. This unique and colorful sensory toy is also non-disruptive and a favorite among the autism community for the way it uses color therapy to help regulate moods and anxious feelings. Researchers have found that fidget toys like the CMY Cubes help to improve focus and relieve cognitive fatigue in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Purchase a stand for the cube separately to keep it on display when not in use.

Key Specs:

  • Age Range: 5 and up
  • Materials: Acrylic

Best Mess-Free

Buddha Board Water Painting

Buddha Board Water Painting

Buddha Board

Pros
  • Mess-free

  • Promotes mindfulness

  • Good for all ages (including adults)

Cons
  • Pooling water can shorten the longevity of the board

Why We Recommend It

This screen-free toy also guarantees a mess-free experience, so it’s a joy not just for kids but for parents, too. Think of it as a blank slate: The painting set uses only water and a drawing board on which kids can use the included bamboo brush to create all their works of art, which fade away soothingly as they dry.

Key Specs:

  • Age Range: 5 years and up
  • Materials: Bamboo

Best Educational Game

Educational Insights MathShark Game

Educational Insights MathShark Game

Educational Insights

Pros
  • Converts to a full-function calculator

  • Portable and travel friendly

Cons
  • Requires two AA batteries (not included)

Why We Recommend It

This toy turns math into a game for the school-aged set. The Educational Insights MathShark has settings for eight different skill levels, covering addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, decimals, and percentages. It gives immediate feedback that helps motivate kids to keep learning while having fun.

Key Specs:

  • Age Range: 6–10 years
  • Materials: LCD screen

Best for Social-Emotional Learning

Slumberkins Dragon Book and Plushie

Slumberkins Dragon Book and Plushie

Slumberkins

Pros
  • Facilitates social-emotional growth

  • Super soft

  • Machine washable

Cons
  • Stuffed animals slightly smaller than expected

Why We Recommend It

Slumberkins is all about promoting early emotional learning through toys that are fun and cute, encouraging growth and expression through affirming messages. This dragon-themed book, plush toy, and affirmation card set are meant to encourage creativity. 

Other toys in the line focus on developing skills such as conflict resolution, gratitude, and self-acceptance; you can take an online quiz to find out the best one for the little one in your life.

Key Specs:

  • Age Range: 0 and up
  • Materials: 100% polyester plush stuffed with hypoallergenic fiberfill

How We Selected and Tested Toys for Independent Play

To select the best toys for independent play, we reviewed guidance from the AAP on how to encourage playtime for children and the different types of play. We also spoke with three child development experts and surveyed 875 parents to learn about what toys their children play with, how they interact with them, and why they love to play with them. Moreover, we asked parents to note their favorite brands and why their family continues to purchase from them year after year. 

After reviewing guidance from the AAP and speaking with experts and parents, we studied the design, features, ease of use, and more of dozens of toys for independent play on the market. Moreover, we researched reviews from customers and competitors to learn more about each product’s pros and cons, design, and features. Lastly, we monitored shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offerings on toys for independent play. When reviewing products, we considered toy safety, age recommendations, interests, types of play, and value.

Our Experts

  • Bethany Cook, PsyD, MT-BC, a licensed clinical psychologist and the author of “For What It’s Worth—A Perspective on How to Thrive and Survive Parenting Ages 0–2”
  • Alanna Gallo, M.Ed, a former teacher, mom of four, and founder of Play. Learn. Thrive.
  • Rebecca Mannis, PhD, a learning specialist at Ivy Prep

What to Look for When Buying Toys for Independent Play

  • Open-Ended Toys: The best way to encourage independent play is to give kids time and space to engage in their surroundings without intervening or trying to lead them towards a certain goal, according to Gallo. “Let them explore, give them open-ended toys, try not to interrupt them when they are in the flow of play, and trust that they know what to do,” she says. “They are born knowing how to play—it is how they learn about the world around them.” To inspire their imagination, Dr. Cook recommends LEGO sets or building blocks.
  • Age-Appropriate: Keep your child engaged and stimulated by matching the toy to their developmental stage. For babies and toddlers, Gallo recommends simple toys like stacking rings, nesting cups, blocks, dolls, and basic cars or trucks. Older kids might move on to puzzles, building toys, or academic challenges.
  • Interests: The most stimulating independent play will be different for each kid. So watch what naturally inspires and engages your child based on their unique interests or aptitudes. “Whether we are talking about some time at the piano, using watercolor paints, or experimenting with a photo-editing app, all of these are opportunities for engagement, reflections, critical thinking, building a unique template, and [capturing] a sense of accomplishment or wonder,” Dr. Mannis says.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • At what age should you encourage independent play?

    You can start actively encouraging independent play around 3 months by giving your baby time and space to discover, according to Gallo, who adds children start engaging in independent play naturally, and parents can follow their lead. For example, an infant who is lying on the floor, discovering their hands or shadow, is technically playing, Gallo says.

    At this age, Dr. Cook says, “It’s more about exploring their environment and offering access to sensory experiences that are age-appropriate.”

  • How do you encourage independent play?

    Ensure your child is well-rested, fed, and you've spent quality time together before they enter a safe space with a few toys or other things to explore (as long as they're all age-appropriate), advises Dr. Cook. “Children are naturally curious—they just need to be given direction and space to explore.”

    Dr. Mannis recommends leaving just a few items out from which kids can select, but not too many or they'll feel overwhelmed. "Pick toys and materials that are easy to use or master on their own, and that can be used in various ways, so your child won’t be frustrated or need to call upon you," Dr. Mannis adds.

  • Why is playing alone important?

    The benefits of independent play are many and varied. Among them, Dr. Cook lists relaxation, self-confidence, increased independence, increased problem-solving skills, education, creativity, and imagination. This also helps kids find out what really interests them. 

    Gallo further underscores that playing alone helps children develop a sense of confidence, self-reliance, patience, and autonomy, and these aren’t just short-term benefits. “Longer term, it paves the way for them to develop a sense of internal satisfaction and happiness,” she says.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Alesandra Dubin is a professional product reviewer in the parenting and lifestyle space. She’s also mom to boy-girl twins with years of in-home, hands-on, kid-tested experience.

More Toys for Kids

When it comes to toys for kids, our team has you covered. The Verywell Family team of editors (who are parents or have nieces and nephews of their own) have tested, gifted, and personally recommend every item we feature. Find more of our top toy picks for every developmental stage and personality phase here:

2 Sources
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. The power of play: how fun and games help children thrive.

  2. Sharp MR, Davis UC. Toy or therapy device? Researchers study effectiveness of fidget tools. UC Santa Cruz News.