It was so easy being a kid. All you had to do was eat, sleep, and play. Somewhere along the way, we traded the sandbox for a schedule — and most of us never looked back. But we should.
“The body heals with play, the mind heals with laughter, and the spirit heals with joy.” That anonymous quote has stuck around for a reason. It’s true.
When our grandchildren were younger, they loved the playground. We watched them sail down the slide and soar on the swings. Their laughter was music to our ears. The playground was part of our childhoods too — and being there brought back heartwarming memories that felt so good. There’s a lesson in that.
Kids learn through playing
Babies and young children learn about their environment and themselves through play. Preschoolers and older children practice life skills and develop their bodies, minds, and social skills through play. They engage in group learning, sharing, negotiating, and resolving conflicts — all through play. Play continues to contribute to a well-rounded and joyful existence into adolescence and adulthood.
But for many of us, adulthood brings an end to play. Between personal, family, and professional responsibilities, play not only takes a back seat — it’s labeled immature or irresponsible. The truth is, we stop playing because there’s little time left for it. And that’s a loss worth paying attention to.
Adults need to play more & have fun doing it
Even with busy schedules and real responsibilities, it’s important to make time for leisure. Play for adults empowers us to be flexible, creative, young-at-heart, and free-spirited. It offers pure enjoyment without the need for structure. Play is free-flowing and healing — it unleashes imagination and reminds us that life doesn’t always have to be productive to be worthwhile.
Just as healthy food sustains physical wellness, the benefits of play for adults extend to both physical and emotional well-being. Play and laughter are powerful stress-relievers, triggering the release of endorphins — the feel-good hormones that combat stress and lift mood. Research from the National Institute for Play suggests that adults who play regularly report greater creativity, stronger relationships, and greater resilience in the face of stress.
Find your inner child and return to some childhood activities — or discover a whole new range of adult fun. Here are some of our favorite ways to play.
Hobbies
Painting, writing, crafts, photography, and collecting — these are just some of the hobbies adults enjoy. My mother-in-law collects miniature porcelain shoes. My husband loved toy soldiers as a child and now creates detailed dioramas. A good friend took a photography course and shares his stunning photos with everyone around him. Choose something you love. That’s the only rule.
And don’t overlook the simple things. Have some old-fashioned fun blowing bubbles with family or friends. You might even outdo yourself and blow the biggest bubble of your life.
Family board games
Board games are back — and better than ever. We love connecting with family over a great game, and even the grandkids join in, setting aside their screens. From classic favorites to clever new strategy games, there’s something for every age and attention span.
Lawn and pool games
Take it outside. Croquet, cornhole, volleyball, and bocce — these games are fun, social, and gently competitive. They get you moving, engage your spirit, and give everyone an excuse to be together. Win or lose graciously. That matters, too.
Or pick up a basketball, dust off a tennis racket, and rediscover a sport you loved years ago. No court? No problem. The driveway counts.
Soft adventure activities
Maturity may have taken mountain climbing off the table, but outdoor adventure is still very much within reach. On a recent Florida trip, a group of women of varying ages embarked on a 2.5-hour kayak eco-tour. Two had never kayaked before. Their guide was patient and encouraging, and by the end, everyone was laughing. “I’m not sure we’ve ever laughed so much together,” one of them said afterward. That’s play for adults at its best.
Entertaining at the next level
Skip the predictable dinner party. Plan a Halloween costume bash or host a murder mystery evening where everyone dresses in character and plays their role all night. It sounds theatrical — it is theatrical — and it’s genuinely fun.
Plan a “playcation”
Find that inner kid and let them plan the trip. Not into camping? Try glamping. Stay in a treehouse. Head to a theme park. Hit the county fair and ride every ride you’re tall enough for. Eat cotton candy. Try your luck at a carnival game. Walk through the funhouse and let yourself laugh.
Life is short, and the real world has a way of crowding out the good stuff. Adults need to play more — not someday, but now. The benefits of play for adults are real, proven, and waiting for you. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you for it.
How to bring the “play” back into your life
Q: Why is the art of play important for adults?
The benefits of play for adults include reduced stress, boosted creativity, stronger relationships, and improved mood — and the benefits multiply as we age. For those 50 and older, play also supports cognitive health, reduces loneliness, and improves physical mobility. Research shows that adults who make time for play report greater resilience and a stronger sense of well-being. It’s not a luxury — it’s good for your health.
Q: What counts as play for adults?
Play for adults is anything done purely for enjoyment, with no productive goal required. That includes board games, hobbies, outdoor activities, creative pursuits, social games, travel adventures, and even something as simple as blowing bubbles with your grandkids. If it makes you laugh and lights you up, it qualifies.
Q: How can adults make more time for play?
Start small. Schedule one playful activity each week, just as you’d schedule an appointment. It can be a board game night, a hobby hour, a walk with a friend, or a day trip somewhere fun. Once play becomes a habit, it becomes easier to protect that time.
Q: What are some easy ways for adults to play more?
Try a new hobby, join a recreational sports league, plan a playcation, host a game night, take a creative class, or spend an afternoon doing something you loved as a child. Adults need to play more than most of us realize — and the barrier is lower than you think. You just need to give yourself permission.
Updated April 2026
You just read one of our favorite stories. There’s more where this came from — subscribe, and we’ll bring them to you every Tuesday.
