Many adults don't consider a kids play time to be productive time. They just look at it as a simple, fun activity for their child and in some cases one which keeps their child occupied and out of trouble. Playing with educational and learning toys is fun for children, and gives them a chance to learn and grow.

Children's play is like an adults work. Therefore, educational and fun toys are like work tools for a child. This gives kids a chance to learn and grow in many ways; mentally, physically and socially. Kids will get more from their play time with the right educational toys. Normally we don't think of toys in this manner. So selecting the right learning toys for kids is a very important role for parents.

There are a number of key things to consider when selecting the correct toy for your child. One consideration, an easy one, is it should be interesting and your child should like it. Your child's physical ability should be carefully considered. You don't want to purchase one that is too hard to play with because it will probably be pushed aside. For the same reason, it should match your child's mental and social abilities. A plaything which is too advanced may cause a lot of frustration for your child and for you as well. Also you will want a toy that is durable, safe and constructed with children in mind.

Knowing the types of benefits that groups of toys provide is very important when buying one for your child. There are several different categories of educational and learning toys.

Active learning toys include push and pull toys, outdoor toys, riding toys, gym and sporting equipment. Gross motor skills are developed with these groups. Large muscle groups are used with them. Your child's development of balancing, walking, rolling and running are necessary motor skills. These types of playthings will also help develop physical strength and optimize vascular development. Active playing is very important for the development of sturdy children's bodies.

Manipulative learning toys include construction toys, puzzles, pattern makers, manipulatives, sand box playthings, magnetics, doll dressing, lacing and stringing toys and water learning toys. These help develop fine motor skills in the small muscle movements as in fingers and hands. This is important in the development of hand writing and drawing.

Imaginative play helps creative thinking in kids. It also lets kids have control over themselves and builds their self-esteem. Using their imagination, they can role-play, practice and experiment with different situations. Through this they develop real-world skills, but are still in a playing arena without any real-world consequences. Kids define their own identities as they take on the roles of their parents. As they take on their imaginary roles kids feel a greater significance.

Creative toys include musical instruments, arts and crafts material, construction blocks and sets and magnetic sets. They can learn to play an instrument, sing, and build their own designs. Also included would be creative videos, plays and museums or art exhibits which can stimulate creativity through seeing things in the real world.

Learning toys include board games, software games, chess, strategy games, puzzles, shape sorting, color matching and electronic games or tablets. This is a broad category which is sometimes not normally associated with learning.

Parents have a broad range of all types of toys from which to choose when making informed decisions in buying toys for their children.