The Power of Loose Parts Play

Why a Cardboard Tube Might Be the Most Valuable Toy in the Room

Ever wondered what cardboard tubes, bottle caps, PVC pipes, nuts, bolts and all those curious bits and bobs are doing in our play spaces?

At Journey, we know they hold something truly special: possibility.

Loose parts play is more than a trend — it’s a powerful learning approach grounded in research, shaped by curiosity, and driven by children themselves. With no fixed outcome or instructions, these simple materials invite children to imagine, build, explore, and problem-solve in ways that structured toys simply can’t.

Why Loose Parts Matter

Many traditional toys do one thing. They flash, sing, spin or talk — and then they’re done. The play is passive and often short-lived.

Loose parts, on the other hand, invite children to do the thinking. A cardboard tube can become a telescope, a tunnel, a flagpole, or a marble run — all in the space of an afternoon. These materials offer limitless possibilities and support rich, open-ended learning that grows with your child.

The Science Behind Loose Parts Play

Research in early childhood education backs what we see every day: children thrive in environments that encourage experimentation and creativity.

Simon Nicholson, who developed the “Theory of Loose Parts,” argued that the more flexible and variable the materials in a space, the more inventiveness and discovery will take place.

Loose parts play supports:

• Cognitive growth through planning, testing, and problem-solving

• Creative thinking through transformation and reimagining

• Focus and persistence as children engage deeply with their ideas

• Confidence as they take ownership of their learning

• Collaboration and communication in shared building and play experiences

It’s not just play — it’s a purposeful and essential part of early development.

Less Can Lead to More

It might sound surprising, but fewer toys can actually lead to better play. A study from the University of Toledo (2018) found that children were more engaged and played more creatively when they had access to fewer, more versatile items.

By thoughtfully limiting materials in a play space, we give children the gift of deeper focus, clearer choices, and more meaningful play. Instead of skipping from one toy to another, they linger longer — and their learning deepens.

Loose Parts at Home: What to Collect

The beauty of loose parts play is that it can begin with everyday items you already have at home. Here are some wonderful materials to start your own collection:

• Toilet paper and paper towel rolls

• Bottle caps, lids, and corks

• Cardboard boxes and packing paper

• Ribbons, string, and wool scraps

• Shells, stones, and sticks

• Egg cartons and ice cube trays

• Pegs, bangles, large buttons

• PVC pipe offcuts or safe kitchen tools (e.g., measuring cups)

Safety first: Always choose materials that are appropriate for your child’s age and stage. Avoid small parts for younger children and supervise play where needed. Loose parts play should be creative and safe.

Encouraging Loose Parts Play at Home

• Create a collection box or “tinker tray” with rotating materials

• Let your child lead — don’t direct the play, just observe and support

• Set up challenges or themes: “Can you build something taller than you?” or “Can you make a bridge using just five pieces?”

• Take it outside and combine with natural loose parts like leaves, branches, and pebbles

Loose parts offer more than just fun — they build a strong foundation for lifelong learning. They teach children to think, to try, to wonder, and to dream. And best of all? They remind us that the simplest things often lead to the richest discoveries.