Frequently asked
Common questions about Simply Play
What the site is, how to use it, who makes it, and what is coming next.
About Simply Play
What is Simply Play?
Simply Play is a growing library of hands-on, screen-free play activities for parents and teachers. Each activity is hand-tested and includes materials, step-by-step instructions, photos, and tips. You can search by age, theme, occasion, materials on hand, or what skill the activity builds.
Who makes the activities?
Simply Play is built by Annie and her four-year-old daughter Ariel. Annie writes and tests every activity in the library. Ariel is the first kid to try each one before it gets published.
Where is Simply Play based?
Annie and Ariel are based in Washington state. The activity library reflects what actually works in their kitchen, living room, and backyard.
Using the site
Are the activities free?
Yes. Every activity on Simply Play is free to read, save, and try at home. Some activities also include free printable PDFs.
What ages are these activities for?
Activities are tagged for four age ranges: 0 to 2, 3 to 5, 6 to 8, and 9 to 12 years old. Many activities work for more than one age band, with the steps adjusted up or down. Use the Age filter on the Browse page to narrow to your kid.
Do I need an account to use Simply Play?
No account is needed to read activities, search, or download printables. User accounts are coming in a later release so parents can save favorites, build a weekly play plan, and submit their own activities.
How do I download a printable?
Activities that include a printable PDF show a "Download printable (PDF)" button near the top of the activity page. Click it to open the PDF in a new tab, then save or print as usual. To find every activity with a printable, filter Browse by Materials and select Printable.
Are these activities screen-free?
Yes. Every activity is designed to be done with physical materials, away from a screen. We do publish short demonstration videos of each activity for parents who want a visual reference, but the activity itself is always hands-on.
Submissions and community
Can I submit my own play activity?
User submissions are coming in a later phase. Once enabled, you will be able to submit a play idea with photos and steps from your account, and it will appear on Simply Play after a quick review.
Can I share photos of my kid doing the activity?
A community photo wall called "Did it together" is coming in a later phase. Each activity page will have a place for parents and teachers to upload a photo of their kid doing the activity, with a comment.
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