Children begin to play pretend between the ages of 14 and 18 months, and fortunately, they don't need much to get started. All they really need is imagination and something with which to make noises. Some young children may even enjoy playing with dolls or action figures instead of toys that move or make noise. Toys that help develop motor skills and increase awareness of your surroundings also benefit young children who are just beginning to play pretend. Building blocks, cars, trucks, and trains are all good options for this age group. A dollhouse or castle can be used as inspiration for many different types of games. If you're not sure what type of game to give your child, simply asking them how they'd like to play is a great way to connect with them on a creative level. The more involved they are in deciding the type of game they'll play, the more opportunity there will be for them to experience new things and try new things. That's what makes play so fun! The important thing is to let children know they can always come to you with questions about playtime.