When was the last time you really let loose and played? Close your eyes and picture it in vivid detail. What were you doing and how did it make you feel?
In our fast-paced, tech-crazy world, grabbing a slice of true joy and connection can feel like chasing a runaway balloon. But fear not! There's an age-old secret to igniting smiles for every age—play! It's not just a kids' gig; everyone from the tiniest tots to the wisest grandparents can enjoy the fun. So, let's get playful and see how laughter and games can sprinkle happiness all around with play for every personality!
How can understanding the concept of "play personalities" help you and your loved ones tap into the profound benefits of play? By engaging in the type of play you most enjoy, you will experience the max benefits for boosting mental health, creativity, and connection.
What Are the 8 Play Personalities?
The idea of play personalities was introduced by Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play. He identified eight distinct play personalities that define the unique ways individuals prefer to play. These personalities help explain why some are drawn to competitive games, while others find joy in creating art or exploring nature. Each personality offers a glimpse into the diverse forms of play that can enrich our lives. It’s time to play your way to suit your style of fun!
By recognizing these 8 play personalities in both children and adults, we can foster healthier, more playful lives. Each personality offers a way to engage with the world, and tapping into these styles is not only fun but also essential for well-being at any age!
The Joker:
The Joker thrives on silliness and laughter! Whether it’s telling knock-knock jokes, making silly faces, or engaging in playful teasing, this play personality loves to get everyone giggling. For them, play is synonymous with laughter and bringing joy to others. Jokers are adept at turning any situation into a comedic moment, and their infectious humor helps lighten moods on the toughest days. The Joker helps foster social bonds and teaches the power of humor in communication.
Ways to Support This Play Personality:
- For Kids: Parents can encourage Jokers by creating an environment where humor is celebrated. Play silly word games, tell jokes, and embrace funny, imaginative play. Give them time to be goofy and lighthearted—whether it’s making up funny voices or creating ridiculous stories together. You can also watch family-friendly comedies or read books filled with humor.
- For Adults: Embracing the Joker personality as an adult means letting yourself laugh and not taking life too seriously. Laughter reduces stress and boosts mood, so share a joke with your kids and friends, watch a comedy, or even play pranks (tasteful ones, of course!). Try seeing the humor in challenging situations—it can make everyday life a little lighter.
- Play: Improv games, silly games, joke-telling, and prank sessions.
- Toys: Quirky toys, gag gifts (like Whoopee cushions or fart machines), jokes, and fun costumes.
Jokers can transform family gatherings into laughter-filled events, breaking down barriers with their wit and charm. Their playful antics remind us of the healing power of laughter and how it can foster a sense of unity and joy. They remind us that laughter truly is the best medicine, helping to break down barriers and bring people together through shared joy.
The Kinesthete:
The Kinesthete is always on the move! From splashing around in water and jumping on anything bouncy to scrambling over rocks and climbing trees, this play personality enjoys play through physical movement. Kids who are kinesthetic players naturally develop their motor skills and physical confidence. Encouraging this personality could mean providing space and tools for indoor active play, giving them plenty of outdoor time, and signing them up for sports.
Ways to Support This Play Personality:
- For Kids: Encourage kids who love physical play by giving them plenty of opportunities to move! Take them to playgrounds, sign them up for dance or sports, play tag in the yard, or simply let them dance around the living room to their favorite tunes. In school, educators can incorporate movement into lessons—like letting kids act out stories or learn math through jumping activities.
- For Adults: Tap into their inner Kinesthete by engaging in activities that get them moving, whether it’s taking a dance class, going on hikes, or trying new sports. Movement boosts energy levels and improves mental clarity, so consider scheduling time to be active every day, even if it’s just a brisk walk during your lunch break.
- Play: Dancing, sports, and exercise.
- Toys: Bikes, scooters, ride-on toys, obstacle course supplies, jump ropes, sports equipment, and other active toys.
For families with energetic kids or parents, incorporating physical play can be a fantastic way to bond while keeping everyone active. It's a joyful reminder that play and fitness can go hand in hand, enhancing both physical and mental health.
The Explorer:
The Explorer is curious and loves discovering new things, whether it's physical places, new ideas, or fascinating concepts. For these little adventurers, play involves constant learning, from building forts in the backyard to asking “why” for everything!
Ways to Support This Play Personality:
- For Kids: This type of play builds cognitive flexibility, and parents can nurture it by offering plenty of opportunities to discover for their little explorers. Take these children on nature walks, museums or zoos and aquariums, give them science kits, or introduce them to new hobbies like bird-watching or star-gazing. In school, allow space for inquiry-based learning, where kids can ask questions and explore answers on their own.
- For Adults: Explorers need to seek out new experiences and learning opportunities. Travel, take up a new hobby, or explore new ideas through books or podcasts. Whether it’s learning a language or trying out new places in your city, embracing curiosity keeps life exciting and promotes lifelong learning.
- Play: Traveling, hiking, and learning new skills.
- Toys: Maps, binoculars, magnifying glasses, exploration kits, and other exploration tools
Explorers encourage us to step outside our comfort zones and experience the world with fresh eyes. Their adventurous spirit can inspire family trips, educational outings, and new hobbies that nurture a lifelong love of learning.
The Competitor:
Driven by a desire to win, the Competitor thrives in games, sports, and challenges where there’s a clear goal. Whether it’s board games or sports, this play personality enjoys the thrill of competition and works hard to improve their skills. For kids, this builds resilience and teaches them about fair play and perseverance. They enjoy the thrill of competition, whether against others or themselves. Winning isn't everything, but the challenge is what makes it fun for them.
Ways to Support This Play Personality:
- For Kids: Caregivers can support Competitors by providing healthy opportunities for competition—sports, board games, or academic challenges. It’s important to emphasize good sportsmanship, effort, and teamwork, rather than just winning. Educators can use friendly competitions to motivate students, like spelling bees or math races.
- For Adults: Competitors can stay sharp by setting personal goals and engaging in friendly competition. Join a local sports league, challenge friends to trivia, or compete in a fitness challenge. For adults, competition can keep your drive alive and provide a healthy way to push your limits, while remembering to celebrate both wins and lessons learned from losses.
- Play: Sports, board games, and video games.
- Toys: Chess sets, board games, gaming consoles, and sports gear.
For families that enjoy a bit of friendly rivalry, Competitors bring excitement to game nights and sports outings. They teach us about perseverance, teamwork, and the joy of striving for personal bests.
The Director:
The Director is the planner and organizer, always devising ways to bring people together for group activities. Whether it’s setting up a pretend play scenario, running a backyard talent show, or leading team games, the Director loves to be in charge of the fun! They take delight in seeing their plans unfold. This type of play builds leadership and problem-solving skills.
Ways to Support This Play Personality:
- For Kids: Directors love organizing and leading group activities. Support them by letting them plan playdates, group games, or family activities. In school, give them opportunities to take on leadership roles in group projects or class activities. This builds their confidence and gives them experience in guiding others. Encourage dramatic role-playing for your director to take on pretend adult roles of authority, like playing teacher, police officer, etc. Small world play is another great way for your little director to design, manage, and dictate activities for all of the mini figurines in their tiny world.
- For Adults: Embracing the Director means stepping up to plan events or take leadership in social situations. Organize a game night, host a party, or even plan a community event. Leadership can be incredibly fulfilling, offering personal growth, while also bringing people together for shared experiences.
- Play: Party planning, role-playing games, small world play, and team sports.
- Toys: Board games, planning kits, event supplies, and small world play items,
Directors are the heartbeat of family gatherings and play dates, orchestrating memorable experiences that bring everyone closer. Their knack for organization ensures that every event is a success, filled with laughter and connection.
The Collector:
This play personality finds joy in gathering and categorizing objects, whether it's action figures, seashells, or trading cards. The Collector enjoys organizing, showing off their treasures, and learning about the items in their collection. For kids, this type of play enhances their focus and attention to detail.
Ways to Support This Play Personality:
- For Kids: For Collectors, it’s all about gathering, organizing, and learning about their collections. Parents and educators can support this by encouraging kids to showcase their collections and foster discussions about their interests—whether it’s rocks, stamps, or figurines. Offer ways for them to store and display their treasures, and use their collections as a way to teach about history, science, or art.
- For Adults: Collectors can take pride in gathering and curating meaningful items, whether it’s art, figurines, books, antiques, or even experiences (like visiting national parks). Collecting can reduce stress by offering a focus, and sharing your collection with others can foster social connections. It’s a way to express your personality and interests in a tangible form.
- Play: Collecting memorabilia, organizing collections, and treasure hunts.
- Toys: Stickers, collectible cards, figurines, themed items (like all things unicorn or dinosaur), and memory boxes.
Collectors remind us of the value in cherishing our past and seeking out new treasures. Their meticulous nature can inspire family traditions and hobbies that celebrate the richness of life's experiences.
The Storyteller:
Imagination reigns supreme for the Storyteller! Storytellers thrive in imaginative and narrative-based play. Their play involves weaving tales, acting out stories, or creating narratives that captivate audiences. They bring characters and settings to life. Whether through make-believe, crafting stories, or engaging in role-playing games, this personality loves to create and share narratives. This type of play enhances language development, creativity, and emotional understanding
Ways to Support This Play Personality:
- For Kids: Support this by joining in on storytelling sessions, encouraging puppet shows, give kids space for imaginative adventures, and provide costumes, puppets, or props for creative storytelling, and encourage them to make up stories. In school, use role-playing and creative writing exercises to help kids express their ideas and explore emotions through stories.
- For Adults: Tap into your inner Storyteller by writing, reading, or even sharing stories in conversation. Joining a book club, writing a blog, or simply creating bedtime stories for your children can enrich your life. Storytelling helps adults process their own experiences, build empathy, and connect with others on a deeper level.
- Play: Writing, acting, putting on a puppet show, and role-playing.
- Toys: Books, costumes, props, creative journals, mini figurines, and puppets.
Storytellers remind us of the magic of imagination and the power of a well-told tale. Family story nights, theatrical performances, and imaginative games become avenues for connection and creativity.
The Artist/Creator:
The Artist/Creator finds joy in making things, whether it’s building with blocks, drawing, or crafting DIY projects. This play personality loves hands-on activities that lead to something new, fostering creativity, problem-solving, and fine motor skills. Parents can encourage this by providing access to materials like art supplies or building toys, and allowing kids the freedom to create without pressure or perfection!
Ways to Support This Play Personality:
- For Kids: Artists and Creators love making things with their hands. Provide a variety of materials—paints, clay, blocks, or craft supplies—so they can express their creativity. In school, offer projects that let them build, design, or create freely. Encourage experimentation, without focusing too much on the outcome.
- For Adults: Embracing creativity through hands-on activities can be incredibly fulfilling. Try painting, cooking, crafting, or DIY projects. Creating something new can help reduce anxiety and give you a sense of accomplishment. It’s a great way to relax, disconnect from the digital world, and tap into your imagination.
- Play: Painting, sculpting, drawing, and crafting.
- Toys: Art supplies, model kits (Eugy, Metal Earth, ODDY, GEOWorld), and crafting tools.
For families with budding artists, nurturing creativity can be a fulfilling way to spend time together. Artists and Creators inspire innovation and encourage others to see the world as a canvas for endless possibilities.
These play personalities highlight the diverse ways kids engage with the world, reminding parents that every child’s approach to play is unique and valuable. By recognizing and nurturing these traits, parents can support their children’s growth and happiness through play!
How To Discover Your Play Personality:
Discovering your play personality is all about exploring what activities bring you joy, excitement, and a sense of flow—the moments when time seems to fly by because you're so engrossed in what you're doing.
- Reflect on Childhood Play: Think about how you used to play as a child. Were you always cracking jokes, creating elaborate stories, or organizing group games? Childhood play often gives clues about your natural play style, and many of those preferences carry into adulthood.
- Observe Your Hobbies: What types of activities do you gravitate towards now? Are you drawn to physical movement (Kinesthete), crafting and creating (Artist/Creator), or maybe competitive games (Competitor)? Notice the things you do in your free time, especially those that energize you or bring a sense of fulfillment.
- Pay Attention to Joyful Moments: Identify when you feel the most alive and engaged. Is it when you're organizing an event, exploring new places, or sharing a funny story with friends? These moments are key indicators of your play personality because they reflect activities that connect you to your authentic self.
- Try New Things: Sometimes discovering your play personality involves trying new experiences. Experiment with different types of play—whether that’s taking a pottery class, joining a sports league, or learning improv comedy. You might uncover a new aspect of yourself by stepping outside your comfort zone.
- Ask for Feedback: Friends and family can often help you recognize your play style. Ask them when they’ve seen you at your most playful and joyful. They may notice patterns that you haven’t fully acknowledged yourself.
- Use Personality Assessments: Tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), Enneagram, or even play-specific quizzes (such as Stuart Brown's play personality test from his book *Play*) can offer insights into your preferred play styles. While these aren't definitive, they can guide you in understanding your personality more deeply.
Play is not a luxury; it's a key ingredient for a fulfilling life. By understanding the 8 Play Personalities, you can unlock a world of play possibilities that cater to every member of your family, regardless of age. Play fosters connection, boosts mental health, and brings joy to everyday life. Whether you're a Joker making others laugh, an Explorer discovering new worlds, or an Artist creating masterpieces, there's a play personality that resonates with you.
To enhance your play experience and discover new ways to connect with your loved ones, explore our collection of Retro Toys and Family Fun Ideas. Together, let's create a vibrant and playful community that embraces play for all ages.
Understanding and embracing these play personalities can transform everyday life into a joyous celebration of connection and creativity. By exploring and sharing these diverse forms of play, families can foster deeper bonds and enrich their experiences together.
Quick Read:
Discover Your Play Personality for Endless Fun at Any Age
- Embrace the Joy of Play: Play isn't just for kids; it brings happiness, connection, and mental health benefits for all ages.
- Understand Play Personalities: Dr. Stuart Brown identifies 8 play personalities that explain our diverse ways of enjoying play.
8 Play Personalities:
- The Joker: Loves laughter and silliness. Encourages humor in everyday life.
- The Kinesthete: Thrives on movement. Enjoys activities like sports and dancing.
- The Explorer: Seeks new experiences and knowledge. Loves adventures, whether physical or intellectual.
- The Competitor: Driven by winning and challenges. Enjoys sports, games, and setting personal goals.
- The Director: Organizes and leads activities. Enjoys planning events and group games.
- The Collector: Finds joy in gathering and organizing items. Loves collecting memorabilia or hobbies.
- The Storyteller: Thrives in imaginative play, creating narratives through storytelling or role-playing.
- The Artist/Creator: Enjoys hands-on activities like crafting, building, and creating art.
How to Discover Your Play Personality:
- Reflect on childhood play.
- Observe your hobbies.
- Notice moments of joy.
- Experiment with new activities.
- Ask for feedback from loved ones.
- Use personality assessments.
Play is essential for mental health, creativity, and connection at every stage of life! Embrace your play personality for a richer, more joyful experience with family and friends for all ages.