As an independent toy store in Colorado, we see firsthand how play fuels learning. Whether it's a toddler stacking blocks or a fifth grader designing a Rube Goldberg machine, kids naturally absorb information when they're having fun. But with increasing academic pressures, it's easy to lose sight of the power of play-based learning. So, how can parents and educators along the Front Range (and beyond!) make learning more playful? Here are some evidence-based strategies to help kids learn through play.  

1. Turn Everyday Activities into Learning Games  
One of the easiest ways to bring more play into learning is by gamifying everyday experiences. Math facts become more exciting when kids solve them in a scavenger hunt. Vocabulary practice turns into a funny challenge when using a game like Mad Libs. Even chores can be made playful. Challenge your child to sort laundry by color or count how many socks match up. This kind of hands-on learning makes concepts stick and keeps kids engaged.  

2. Give Kids More Creative Control  
When kids feel a sense of agency in their learning, they're more likely to stay curious and motivated. Encourage open-ended projects that let them explore and experiment. For example, let them design creations with loose parts and art supplies. Science lessons become much more exciting when kids get to test ideas, like figuring out which paper airplane design flies the farthest. STEM toys and building kits, like those found in our Denver-area toy shops, provide excellent opportunities for self-directed play.  

3. Get Outside and Learn Through Movement  
Learning doesn't only happen indoors. A simple trip to the park can turn into a science experiment (which leaves change colors first in the fall?), a physics lesson (how does the angle of the slide impact speed?), or a creative storytelling session (what kind of adventure will the kids dream up today?). Encouraging active play with balance boards, scooters, or jump ropes not only strengthens bodies but also boosts cognitive development. In Colorado, we’re lucky to have so many parks and nature spaces where kids can learn while they play.  

4. Let Toys Be Tools for Learning 
The best educational toys don’t feel like "learning tools" at all! Open-ended toys like magnetic tiles, pretend play sets, and puzzles build problem-solving skills, spatial awareness, and creativity. Board games are another fantastic way to sneak in math, literacy, and social skills practice. Whether it’s a cooperative game that encourages teamwork or a fast-paced card game that strengthens number sense, learning through play is always more effective than rote memorization.  

Bringing Play Back to Learning  
By making small shifts in how we approach learning, whether at home or in the classroom, we can help kids stay engaged, curious, and eager to explore. Playful learning is backed by research showing that kids retain more information and develop critical thinking skills when they’re actively involved in the process.  

If you're looking for educational toys, games, and hands-on learning tools, stop by our shops in Arvada, Aurora, or Denver, or check out our selection online.