Encouraging open-ended play for older children

Open-ended resources are often introduced during early childhood, but their value continues well into the school years. Across homes, classrooms and after-school settings in Europe, these materials can inspire imagination, curiosity and creative learning for children of all ages. Yet, as pupils progress through primary and lower secondary education, opportunities for open-ended play often fade away.

This decline tends to happen as the emphasis shifts towards structured learning and academic achievement. Older children are sometimes viewed as having outgrown free play - unless it takes the form of art or craft. But imagine if shimmering gem blocks, polished wooden pieces or smooth metallic spheres were simply there - in classrooms, family living spaces or youth clubs - waiting to be discovered and explored. Not as distractions, but as subtle invitations to think, create and play… without needing to call it ‘play’ at all.

At tickit®, we believe that play has no age limit. Step into our headquarters and you’ll find our resources on desks and in meeting spaces - touched, admired and discussed. Play is not just a childhood pastime; it’s a universal instinct that nurtures creativity, focus and wellbeing at every stage of life. That’s why we continue designing inspiring, meaningful materials that spark imagination in children and adults alike.

Why open-ended play remains essential for older children

Cognitive & Creative Growth

Imagination never expires. Open-ended play allows older children to design, experiment and problem-solve freely. 

Whether they’re constructing, sketching, sorting or storytelling, such experiences promote critical thinking, flexible reasoning and innovation - skills that underpin lifelong learning.

Social & Emotional Wellbeing

As children grow, life becomes busier - with academic demands, social pressures and increasing screen time. Free play offers a healthy outlet for self-expression and relaxation. Open-ended materials remove the fear of making mistakes, creating a safe space to explore ideas without judgment or competition.

Collaborative play also builds teamwork and empathy. Group activities using open-ended materials encourage sharing ideas, negotiating and solving problems together - core competencies for modern learning environments.

Independence & Confidence

Older children appreciate independence. When they can explore materials freely, they take ownership of their creativity. Each project, experiment or invention - successful or not - fosters resilience and confidence. Displaying resources like the tickit® Gem Cube Mirror Tray, Translucent Colour Pyramid Builder or Colour Crystal Block Set in an inviting way can reduce screen dependency and inspire creative thinking.

By simply keeping such items visible and accessible, educators and parents may be surprised by how naturally children engage with them.

Enhancing Learning Through Play

As learning becomes more abstract with age, hands-on resources provide a tangible bridge to understanding. For example, using the Solar System Discs in the classroom can help children visualise planetary scale and distance while enriching their science lessons.

These durable wooden pieces are designed for long-term educational use - and at home, they can double as visual aids for homework or even creative décor.

Building Lifelong Skills

The benefits of open-ended play go far beyond childhood. Creativity, adaptability, perseverance and problem-solving are invaluable in education, careers and everyday life. Encouraging open-ended exploration in older children supports fine-motor skills, spatial awareness and logical thinking - all through natural, enjoyable experiences.

In a world that often urges children to grow up fast, unstructured play offers a quiet space for them to remain curious and imaginative just a little longer.

A sustainable investment for years to come

Choosing quality open-ended resources is an investment in long-term learning. These are not toys for a single developmental phase, but enduring tools for exploration. A set of Gem Cubes that once built castles might later become props for storytelling, architectural challenges or even calming sensory pieces for teenagers. Well-crafted materials evolve alongside the child, inspiring creativity for years - or even decades - to come.

In conclusion

Play is not something children should grow out of. It simply changes shape as they mature. By continuing to offer open-ended materials throughout childhood and adolescence, we keep curiosity alive, nurture self-expression and support balanced, holistic growth. In every European classroom and family home, making room for creative, unstructured play helps children keep discovering - and enjoying - the world around them.