3 Engaging Toys for 5–7-Year-Olds to Play Together
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Between the ages of 5 and 7, children are growing rapidly in independence, imagination, and social awareness. At this stage, peer interaction becomes just as important as solo or parent-guided play. That’s why toys designed for group use are essential—they not only entertain but also help kids practice cooperation, empathy, and turn-taking.
Here are three tried-and-true toys that are perfect for young children to enjoy together.
🧱 1. Magnetic Building Tiles (e.g., Magna-Tiles)
Why it’s great: These colorful magnetic tiles allow children to build castles, cars, animals, and abstract creations—alone or collaboratively.
📚 Research insight: A study in Early Child Development and Care (2021) found that construction toys like magnetic tiles enhance spatial reasoning, negotiation skills, and peer collaboration when used in group play.
✅ Kids learn: Cooperation, design thinking, and how to combine creative visions with friends.
🎭 2. Dress-Up Costume Trunk
Why it’s great: Give kids a box of costumes and accessories—princess gowns, firefighter hats, dinosaur tails—and you’ll witness hours of imaginative role-play.
📚 According to The Journal of Play Therapy (2018), role-play among peers improves emotional regulation, storytelling skills, and understanding of social roles.
✅ Kids learn: Empathy, self-expression, and how to lead or follow during pretend scenarios.
🐒 3. Monkey Around (ThinkFun)
Why it’s great: This active game includes cards that prompt kids to jump, balance, high-five, or freeze in silly poses. It’s perfect for movement, teamwork, and laughter.
📚 Gross motor games like this support executive functioning and body awareness, as noted in Pediatric Occupational Therapy Journal (2019).
✅ Kids learn: Turn-taking, body control, and how to handle excitement in a group setting.
🧡 Final Thoughts
Toys that allow 5–7-year-olds to play together aren’t just fun—they help kids develop lifelong social skills. Whether building towers or pretending to save the world, collaborative play strengthens friendship and brainpower at the same time.
So set out the tiles, unzip the costume bag, and watch them play their way to connection.