Find out what MNers think of the newly updated MakeTime2Play app NOW CLOSED

[EmmaMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the Mumsnetters who are taking part in the MakeTime2Play app product test. Testers downloaded and used the newly updated app aimed at parents and carers, which suggests play ideas for kids.

Here’s what MakeTime2Play has to say: “Whether you have a newborn or a 12 year old there is so much to explore with our updated app; it’s free to download, available on iOS and Android devices, and has over 400 play ideas! You can filter the play ideas to fit your needs by choosing between location, age of children, number of children and time.”

“The app isn’t just about fun play ideas, it also provides information on the benefits that children receive when playing. There is a page detailing the physical, emotional, creative, social, behavioural and inquisitive benefits of play. Symbols on each play activity page will tell you which of these benefits your child is receiving from each game they play.”

Please post your feedback on the MakeTime2Play app and you will be entered into a prize draw where one Mumsnetter will win a £300 Love2Shop voucher.

Please answer these questions below, but also feel free to add your own comments:

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use?
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?

Thank you for taking part in the product test and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ

Insight T&Cs apply

[RuthCart]

The app was easy to download and use. It was divided in to age categories which was handy as I have two children and they enjoy different activities. It was also handy that you could search for indoor /outdoor and travelling ideas. I found a lot of the ideas were things we already did, but perhaps we need to spend more time searching or I am already a very creative fun mum!! Handy on a rainy day when they've been up since five and you've run out of ideas.

[pinkDEpanter]

My DC are 11 and 9, we love this app. We have been given lots of ideas, especially with indoor activities. Technology can consume our home at times so this was perfect to get some "family time" at the weekend.

The app is easy to navigate and the design is fun. I've been allowing my children to use the app themselves to find things to do. They also find the app very easy to use.

I've not used the favourites/share function yet, but I will do in the future I'm sure. I have 2 nephews and a niece and have recommended this app to my sister and a few friends.

There are plenty of options for their age group.

I don't think anything needs to added but I'm always on the look out for new ideas.

[littlemouse15]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 13months
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? I would recomend it to people If i knew they were struggling for ideas as it has some good ideas of things to do.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? verybasic and simple
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? I used the 'favorite' feature, it was really easy to use
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? I found that alot of the ideas were to young for my son, maybe age 0-1 and 1-2 should be seperated as there is a big development gap at this age, actvities for a 0-3month old are pointless for a near 2 year old.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? Im not sure as i havent seen every activity yet as i have only looked at our age group and needs. It seems to have most things covered

[Firewall]

This app is brilliant!

It's using technology to get off technology!

I love the ideas there are, great when you are running out of ideas or for your kids to look through and see what sparks their imagination.
I have an under 1 and 6 year old. There are plenty of ideas for both ages. The app is easy to use, I liked the favourites feature. I cannot think of anything else I would add.

[Nijnte2007]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
My kids are 8 and 4, both were covered in the app
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? To be honest its ok, but as its an app its limited on what it can display - I had a look at their facebook page and see the ideas better in the photographs, that said its handt to have on your phone to refer to when the dread 'i'm bored' comes up, especially when travelling - there are lots of ideas of what you can do in the car
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Its good its put into different categories, but it took me a little while to getting used to navigating it.
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? I haven't tried those features yet
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Yes there were plenty of ideas on the app.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see - not that i'm aware of but i didn't search every activity for every age group

[IneedAdinosaurNickname]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 10 and 12
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? I think I would if I knew people were struggling for ideas. Everything it suggested was things I've done in the past/already do but I can see it might be helpful for parents who are stuck for ideas
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Very easy to use.
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? The favourite feature is very handy. I haven't used the share feature as yet.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? The age group I looked at (10+) seemed to be mostly stuff my children are too old for. At one point it suggested bingo to help them learn their numbers. . It also suggested rounders as an indoor game for a maximum of 1 person.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? At present I couldn't say. I'm going to have a bit more of a play and see what it suggests for younger children next time I'm babysitting my nephew and need ideas.

[ObsidianWinter]

I really liked the ideas and we had some great fun playing The Floor is Lava with sofa cushions as safe spots. I also liked the favourites option.

The app could use some fine tuning, though. Ball-games came up when I filtered for indoor activities only, which is a no-go in our house. I found the app crashed a few times (which could just have been my phone). When you reach the end of the options the arrow stays there so it's hard to tell if it's a glitch or there are no more ideas. I also think the appearance is a bit "90's home-made website" and could do with looking a bit more modern.

[RedRoseMummy]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
6, 4 and 1.

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
I would recommend it. As a free app it's a really useful resource for suggestions for ways to encourage play in your children.

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
I think it's quite straightforward and simple to use. There were two options for emotional benefits on the Android app which seemed like a duplication. I'd love to see a way to save settings so you can tailor it to your family.

4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use?
I tried out favourites and this was a useful way to bookmark ideas for future use, or those they require more preparation.

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
Yes. I'd like to see a facility for people to submit ideas for play ideas to be added to the app. I'd also like an option for 'no preparation' ideas which you can access in those desperate 'I need an idea right now' moments.

6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
I think that the app has a really good range of ideas. We found some that we have used and had fun with them too. I hope it continues to grow with more ideas added.

[Thegreatunslept]

This is the feedback thread for the Mumsnetters who are taking part in the MakeTime2Play app product test. Testers downloaded and used the newly updated app aimed at parents and carers, which suggests play ideas for kids.

Here’s what MakeTime2Play has to say: “Whether you have a newborn or a 12 year old there is so much to explore with our updated app; it’s free to download, available on iOS and Android devices, and has over 400 play ideas! You can filter the play ideas to fit your needs by choosing between location, age of children, number of children and time.”

“The app isn’t just about fun play ideas, it also provides information on the benefits that children receive when playing. There is a page detailing the physical, emotional, creative, social, behavioural and inquisitive benefits of play. Symbols on each play activity page will tell you which of these benefits your child is receiving from each game they play.”

Please post your feedback on the MakeTime2Play app and you will be entered into a prize draw where one Mumsnetter will win a £300 Love2Shop voucher.

Please answer these questions below, but also feel free to add your own comments:

1 – Dsd age 8 ds age 3
2 – i liked the app it was easy to use dcs liked they could do it themselves also.
3 – Lovely design simple but effective and easy to use
4 - Didn't use share function but saved some ideas to favourites worked no problem.
5- Plenty on the app but always room for more
6 - All happy with what was on the app.

[sharond101]

I used the app for my 4 year old son. It was easy download and navigate And simple to understand. Some of the activities were rally basic and the age range my son falls in seemed really too young for him however it inspired us with lots of ideas as a starting point and I have favourites a few of the ones for older children to save and do too. Id recommend the Facebook page more than the app although the app is so easy and quick to use.

[ObsidianWinter]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? Age 3
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? Yes, it's good for ideas that don't involve technology.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? See my comment above.
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? Yes, they were easy to use and really helpful.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Yes
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? No

[lyndseyh78]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?

Ages 4yrs, 7yrs and 9yrs

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

Yes we enjoyed playing around with the app and finding new and interesting games to play and things to do. I think its a great app as it's free and it has some really good play ideas for children of all ages. My children all love their tablets so it was nice to do something that didn't involve technology and was just about good old fashioned playing

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?

The design was really good and it was very easy to use. I didn't have any problems with the app

4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use?

Yes i used the favourite feature, we have saved our favourite games to play another day


5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?

I searched several age group and found the games that were suitable for everyone so yes there's more than enough games to play


6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?

No none that i can think of and my 3 children seemed pretty happy!

[mumgonemad2]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 4 and 3 years
2 – Would you recommend the app? I would definitely recommend this app. There are loads of different ideas to suit any age range. My children love car snap and building useful structures.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? The app is easy to use. My 4 year old can easily access the app, even my 3 year old is starting to get the hang of it.
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? I used the favourites option on a lot of the games. Ones my kids tried and loved and one that are going to be really great to help pass the time now the weather is changing.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? There are a few in the age groups that could do with more games, but looking through the age group up from my kids we should be able to find other ideas from there that the children can manage.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? There are a wide variety of activities, we have yet run into one that my children wouldnt try. I'm pleased with the help simplicity and options of the app.

[DidYouKnow]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
Six and three
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
If someone mentioned to me they were struggling to think of ideas then I would recommend the app.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
Nice simple design and easy to navigate
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use?
I didn't find these features so can't comment
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
There are enough ideas but nothing that I wouldn't have thought of myself. However, it is handy to have to have a look through and get inspiration now and then.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
I think the app covers most of the usual activities, there wasn't anything on there that I thought was a brilliant idea and not thought of before. Although as I said previously, it's good to have everything together in one app.

To sum it up, the app was ok but not something I would use very often.

[IneedAdinosaurNickname]

Can i add that I agree with others about a no preparation needed option. When looking for 5 min activities it suggested a few that needed previously collected items. Maybe I misunderstood the point of the app but I thought it would be things I could do straight away not have to spend a week collecting random items for.
Having said that I liked the suggestions but not a lot of use when my son wants an activity right now!

[glasgowlass]

1. My children are 3 and 8.
   
2. I would recommend the app as sometimes you can get into a rut with the activities you carry out with children. My 8 year old particularly enjoyed discovering new play ideas by himself.
   
3. Very easy to navigate, well designed and simple layout. Overall very good.
   
4. We used the favourite function. Very handy and easy to do. Great idea!
   
5. There are lots of ideas, some of which were new to us. We were impressed with the variation in suggested activities.
   
6. None that come to mind. The app suggested to us old favourites and new activities. We loved the fact that the ideas are easily found and well explained. We were very impressed and will use regularly. It has given us lots of inspiration!

[ginauk84]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
3

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
No, for my daughter she was in the 2+ section so a lot of the games suggested were a bit basic like 'roll a ball to each other' and I had to scroll through the ideas to get something suitable. When I did I found that you had to make 12 cards with different animals on them and get lots of plastic boxes, I wasn't really sure exactly what they meant tbh so photos would have been good - I would be easier and cheaper buying a game from the shop. Some games such as Big Bird required ingredients I hadn't got so need planning. Under travelling games one suggestion was get them to bang a rhythm on an instrument, I wouldn't appreciate this while I am driving, I don't think others would appreciate on public transport. I looked at some of the suggestions for older children indoors, really for me there were too many boisterous games listed that we wouldn't allow in our house.

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
The front screen could be a little more obvious as to the button you click to then navigate to the next screen for the ideas. Perhaps the Play Ideas button could be really big and the other buttons a bit smaller around it.

4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use?
Yes these are good features, however they just need to be a bit more obvious, both the share button and the favourites are blue and blend into the skyline at the top so it took me a while to find. If I hadn't been looking for them I wouldn't have noticed them there.

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? No they were either too basic, for a younger age range or required too much preparation.

6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? Activities which require no preparation, to me this is more of a spur of the moment app you click on when you think you have a bit of time and don't know what to do. So it doesn't make sense that some of activities take a lot of planning - collecting toilet rolls, boxes, empty bottles etc.

[Cambam2010]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? I was using the app for ideas for my 6 year old DS
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? No - I chose the 5+ age range for my play ideas and the suggestions were way too young for a 6 year old. One example was ball rolling between your open legs and those of your child - The text associated with the game idea even used the terminology 'baby' in the instructions.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Easy to use and navigate. Very user friendly and lots of interesting information.
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? Adding to favourites was easy. I couldn't work out the share feature.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? The age ranges were completely out. 20 years ago 5+ year olds may have been happily occupied doing some of the suggested ideas but children today are a lot more electronically advanced. It is nice to go back to basics and get creative but it didn't hold my DS's attention for very long.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? Not really - They have tried to cover all angles

[asuwere]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
I tried it for 2 of my DC, aged 2yrs and 10yrs.

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
No, I wouldn't. Although it was easy to use, it didn't seem to take into account the options chosen - many of the suggestions were the same for both my children but I'm pretty sure a 2yr old and a 10yr old have very different abilities/wants. Many of the activities also needed items which we didn't have, eg. pinecones (for indoor activities!)
Should make the filters work and add one to tick if you need/don't need equipment!

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
It was ok but as above, the filters don't work well. I think it would be easier to have pictures, or a way to have a list of activities which you can click on to get more details.

4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use?
favourite seems pretty simple, never used share.

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
No, as the ideas don't seem to be split properly by age - a lot of overlapping and irrelevant activities.

6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
No

Overall, I think it's much easier to search online for ideas if you're really stuck.

[WottyMcWottFace]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
9m/3y/7y
2 – Would you recommend the app?
Unsure
Why?
Good app but nothing out of the ordinary that jumps out.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
Design good and easy to navigate
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use?
Very easy
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
Lots of suggestions but would be better with interactive links, sounds, music, pictures to liven it up.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
No

Overall it's a good idea and nice app but I think it could be improved with more interaction instead of just text suggestions of play

[winewolfhowls]

Overall, I wasnt mpressed with the app I'm afraid but the concept is good.

1. What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 0 and 3
   

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? Not really. I think better ideas can be found on other websites, pinterest etc. The idea was great but a lot of the play ideas were common sense, or not suitable. Some of the travelling ones were not suitable or safe for travelling!
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Very easy generally. But I don't think the benefits bit it's needed. That seemed a bit patronising.would be good if there was a separate section for fun meal ideas or party games, or seasonal activities.
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? I couldn't find the favourites once I had tagged them.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Not really. I put in different combinations of age and number of children and the same few ideas kept coming up.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see
would be good if there was a separate section for fun meal ideas or party games, or seasonal activities.

[winewolfhowls]

Also a key or list of equipment needed for each activity would be good, or a search that you could do if you had an item like toilet rolls or model cars for example that you wanted to play with, then the search could reveal lots of activities for that one toy or item

[winewolfhowls]

Also sketches or photos of what each activity should look like would be great

[Mcstriving4leanie]

1. My Dd 14 and my ds 11 were testing this app.
   
2. I would recommend this app particularly for younger children. It gives busy parents on the spot ideas about activities they can do with their child(ten) and friends that require little or no cost/equipment. I also love that the app highlights the benefits of each game/idea. This can encourage children to do a certain activity not just because it's fun but it's also good for the heart for example.
   

3.This app looked appealing with bright colours and cartoons. It was very easy to download and use.
4.My children will tell you that I'm not the most technical person but even so I found the share feature and pressed it. It immediately takes you to the options of where to share it i.e. What app and you then press on the desired place to share the idea. I would say that maybe the share symbol should be in a different colour as i didn't notice it until I read about it on mumsnet insight instructions. I also tried the favourite feature out. You go into an idea / activity and then if you enjoy it you press on the heart and it stores your favourites. To access the favourites you then press on the heart on the home page and it lists all the games you've enjoyed. It's like shortcut to your favourite activities.

1. I think there were enough ideas for the 10+ age group. We do a lot of them anyway but it's always worth a memory jog!
   
2. I think you've covered most of the ideas. You could add a feature which people could send in a suggestion of an idea to the app.
   

Really enjoyed testing this app as did my dcs. I will be recommending this to my friends. Thank you for introducing me to this app.

[VioletRoar]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 1.5, 7 & 11
2 – Would you recommend the app? Yes
Why? It's free and simple.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Extremely self explanatory, easy to scroll past a game that wasn't relevant
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? i used favourite, which was easy
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? some in the 0-2 section seemed a bit young for 18mths plus
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? not that I can think of!

Thank you for taking part in the product test and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ