Why I Designed The Playroom Around Open-Ended Play
- Jessalyn Pustay
- Jul 27
- 2 min read
When I opened The Playroom, I knew I wanted to create more than just a fun space to burn energy—I wanted to build a place where kids can be creative, build friendships, and learn through doing what they do best: play. But not just any kind of play.
I built The Playroom around the idea of open-ended play—and here’s why.
What Is Open-Ended Play?
Open-ended play means there’s no “right” way to use a toy or engage in an activity. There are no instructions, no fixed outcomes, and no expectations. Instead, children get to lead the way. Whether they’re building a tower, pretending to run a grocery store, or turning a slide into a rocket ship, they’re making choices, solving problems, and exploring their world on their terms.
At The Playroom, you’ll notice there are fewer blinking lights and electronic sounds—and more pretend kitchens, blocks, obstacle courses, and loose parts. That’s by design.
Why It Matters
Open-ended play supports whole-child development in ways that might surprise you. Here’s what’s happening when your child is “just playing”:
Creativity & Imagination: Kids turn everyday materials into anything they can dream up. A scarf becomes a superhero cape, a play tunnel becomes a dragon’s cave.
Social Skills: Open-ended environments invite cooperative play. Children negotiate roles, solve conflicts, and build friendships.
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: With no set outcomes, kids learn to plan, experiment, adapt, and try again.
Confidence & Independence: Children gain a sense of agency as they make their own choices and direct their own experiences.
Emotional Expression: Play provides a safe way for kids to process feelings and explore the world around them.
Something New Every Time
Because our space encourages open-ended play, no two visits are the same. One day your child might build a city out of blocks. The next, that same structure becomes a castle, a zoo, or a racetrack. As your child grows, they’ll interact with the same materials in new ways—because open-ended play grows with them. And yes - we also love to switch out our toys and equipment regularly to make the space seem new and exciting, even when that just means re-arranging!
Come Play With Us
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, come explore, imagine, and play at your own pace. There’s no script here—just a comfortable space for kids to play and grownups to connect.
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