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

[yummycake123]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
DS is 3.5

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
Not really. The app was easy to download, and it's pretty straightforward to use. But I don't think the content is unique or particularly helpful as you can find lots of ideas on the web or other parenting sites.

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
The app is really easy to us, but I found the design a bit plain and I didn't like the font at all.

4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use?
These features were easy to use. I could find the favourites list immediately, and sharing is easy (I only tried sharing via email).

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
Yes, there were plenty of ideas for the 2+ age group.

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.

I think it's a good idea, but the app is a bit too simple, very text-heavy. Maybe more drawings or little videos showing some of the suggestions would be cool?

[Leahs1988]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 3 years
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? Its handy to have available on my phone especially when the weather is bad and we are having an inside day, lots of great suggestions of different activities instead of having to trawl through the internet to find. it is really convenient.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? I thought it was simple and easy to navigate around. had no problems accessing the app and its different features. Its clear and 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? I did use the favourites feature on the app and found it useful to group together different activities that I would like to try in the future and being able to access them straight away.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? there was plenty of play activities although there was some overlapping of activities in different searches.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? No thought there was a good range.

[sianihedgehog]

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

One boy aged 15 months

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

I'm still not sure. It's nice for prompting ideas, but I haven't really found myself reaching for it often.

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

It's very simple and easy to start using but I felt like there wasn't enough detail.

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

I can't imagine why I would use these. The ideas were so very basic and undetailed that I can't see why I'd need to look at them again or share them instead of just saying "today we played with a ball".

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

No. The 0-2 age band is WAY too big. There were a half dozen ideas for my searches but at least half were either too young or too old for my son to enjoy.

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

I'd like more ideas for things like songs with actions or simple games to play. It suggests "contact play" for example, but I was really hoping for more specific ideas, like "get your toddler to stand on your feet while you walk" or something. It suggests "row row row your boat" but I know there are DOZENS of similar songs with actions that they do at baby groups, and I'd like to learn some.

[JaiOm]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 4 years
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? No - nothing any normal parent couldn't think of
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Extremely simple and basic
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? No didn't use it
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? The age ranges are too wide
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? No - totally pointless app

[evab79]

My DD is almost 4 years old and my baby almost 3 months. I don't think I would recommend the app to my friends, maybe if they were finding difficult to find ideas, its especially good for indoors, but at the same time it has very basic ideas, and there is a lot more that could be explored browsing the internet. The principle of the app is good but the design is very basic a not much attractive. I would have like to find more creative ideas, games and craft that i wouldn't easily think of by myself.

[ProfYaffle]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 9 and 12

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
No. Ideas are firmly aimed at pre-schoolers, my 12 yo had a face like this about most of the ideas. Suggestions like Ring a Roses and leap frog aren't really appropriate for the older age group.

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Straight forward 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? Didn't try.

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

[CopperPan]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
5 yrs and 7 yrs
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
Yes, it was great for dc around the same ages as mine. It was very easy to use and kept them entertained on rainy days, on the bus etc.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
It looked fun and attractive for children, everything felt intuitive and straightforward.
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use?
The dcs favourited some things on the app and it was good for them to keep hold of things they particularly liked.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
For us, I thought there were plenty of ideas.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
I thought there were enough great ideas on the app as it is.

[BatBoobs]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
2, 6, 6, and 10.

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
Yes, I would recommend this app. Having 5 children with different ages and interests, finding something they can all participate in can be a very tough job! There have been many times in the past I've felt frustrated after my usual ideas (the park, watch a movie etc.) have been exhausted that I just don't know what to do with them. Using this app has given me ideas to help without having to wrack my brain. I also appreciate the option of indoors/outdoors activities to suit the current situation, and to help them burn off a little energy.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
I think it is bright and colourful, and pretty 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?
I haven't yet tried this feature.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
I felt there were plenty.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
As I'm not great with ideas myself, I found that there were enough for my needs so far. That said, if there was a possibility to update the up with newer activities over time, that would be a good way to keep it fresh.

[Nineloves]

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

Between five and ten

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
Yes, it had some good ideas

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

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

Not tried yet

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

Some were inappropriate. It came up with a ball rolling game if you could sit up unaided in the 8+ indoor games ideas, but there were enough age appropriate in each block.

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

Other comments. The filter is a little random. Counting snowflakes doesn't really constitute an indoor activity in my house.

But my children are currently playing together on one of the activities, and not fighting yet.

[fish88]

1 – 3 years old
2 – Yes, it's free so might as well download for times you are stuck
3 – Design was basic and colourful, navigation was easy
4 - I only tried the favourite feature. It was easy to use and handy for when we found an activity that we wanted to try later
5- There were plenty of activities for 2-4 years
6 - There seemed to be a variety of different types of activities

Extra points - Some of the travelling activities were only suitable once you got to a place, not for whilst travelling. Also would have been handy to have a feature where you could select whether you had time to prepare resources or wanted a quick activity that needed no resources.

[LittleMoonbuggy]

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

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
Yes, especially as it's free, for someone struggling for ideas.

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
Appealing colours and layout, 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?
The 'favourite' feature was very easy to use and a helpful feature.

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
Yes, there were plenty for both my children's ages.

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

[StillNoFuckingEyeDeer]

I used the app with 5 & 3 year old DC.
I wouldn't really recommend the app - I think there are better ideas on Pinterest and a lot of the suggestions didn't really fit the search criteria, particularly when the time selected was short or for travelling. (Although it occurs to me now that maybe the suggestions for travelling mean for 'away from home', rather than 'in transit', which was my understanding). Having said that, for a free app it's pretty good and I might keep it for the school holidays to see if it's more useful then.
The app looks straightforward - the graphics are basic and I think that makes it unintimidating. It's simple to use.
I didn't use the favourite or share features. I don't think a share feature is necessary, but I like the option to have favourites.
There were plenty of suggestions of different activities. A lot of them were things we do already, but we found some good new ideas too.
It would be nice if people could send in new play ideas to be added.

[babyboos]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? Baby under 12 months 6 year old girl and 9 year old boy
2 – Would you recommend the app? Yes Why? Some really fun and novel ideas lots free or very low cost
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Liked it would have liked more options maybe but good basic selections
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? Totally straightforward intuitive
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Definitely and would imagine over time would increase in number
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? In swimming pool ideas rainy day ideas


I wish there was a submit/upload ideas button

[purplepandas]

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

5 and 7 years

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

yes, gives you ideas and easy to use.

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

Simple interface and logical 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?

Yes, I liked the favourite feature. It was simple to use.

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

Yes, a nice variety.

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

nothing obvious was missing for me.

[foxessocks]

– What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 2 years old and 3 months old
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? No, I didn't think it was very good
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Design and navigation was food, simple 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? They were okay but I doubt i would share.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Yes lots of ideas just not that many that appealed or that I didn't already know of
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? More original ideas or different ideas to what I already know of

[MakeTeaNotWar]

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

Aged 4 (boy) and 6 (girl)

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

Yes it's very easy to use and is a useful prompt when kids have a short attention span or I've run out of imagination. There are some really nice ideas in there - equally some of them are a bit too obvious but all in all, a good mix.

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

Liked this a lot - really easy to use, nice colours, easy navigation.

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

Nice little feature - easy to use and handy to keep the ideas that worked best for us in one place. Didn't use share, I can't see that I ever would.

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

More would be good as some seem a bit repetitive so I expect we could quickly exhaust them or if they are updated regularly.

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

No it's a broad range

[goldenretriever1978]

1. 6 yo and 7yo.
   

1. I would recommend the app as it is a handy little tool.
   

1. The design is very simplistic and clear. It is easy to navigate.
   

1. I found both to be both easy and helpful.
   

1. I think that there were enough play suggestions.
   

1. No specific types of activities but photos or pictures would have been handy for the activities.

[Whyisitsodifficult]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 9,8 & 3.

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? Yes it had some interesting and different ideas on it.

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? I'm abit of a Luddite but even I found it attractive 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 haven't used those functions as yet.

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Yes I think so, although the same ideas were repeated for my children's different age groups but I guess that is to be expected.

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 it has some different ideas that I hadn't heard of before.

[VelvetThunder]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
5 months and almost 2.
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
If someone was struggling to find ideas of activities for their children and asked me for some ideas then I would suggest this app to them as it gives them a good range of suggestions for the children.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
The design of the app is very basic and simple, but the navigation is 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?
I used the favourite feature so far and found it very helpful and easy to use.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
For me it was easy to click on the 0-2 age range and find ideas for both my children as it was all under one section. There was a good range of ideas for both of them and has given me some new ideas to use with them for future reference when I get stuck for ideas. I liked that there was a good number of suggestions for indoor activities as well as outdoor ones as that is what I struggle with most sometimes.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
I think so far it has covered a good variety of ideas. In future it could easily be expanded to include other ideas also though.

[PickAChew]

Just marking my place because the emails keep disappearing into the wrong folder, so I didn't even know was selected until now!

[sharmanda]

1. What are the ages of the Dcs that you found play ideas for on the app?
   

Two and a half years old and 4 years old
2.would you recommend the app? Why?
Yes and no I think if you knew someone that was maybe a new parent, was struggling for play ideas - what to do with their child, what toys to have available at home as well as resources to help their child to learn then yes this app would be a good starting point. However in saying this I would also feel a bit patronising recommending someone I knew to the app as some of the activities I felt were common sense and things most parents would probably be doing already. I think you get a lot of ideas nowadays from friends, family members, health professionals such as health visitors ( as children have their 8/12 month check and 2 year review in which you are asked to highlight what they can/cannot do and then are given ideas of what you could do to help them develop in certain areas or certain skills). Sites such as Pinterest are very good as they are very detailed and give specific ideas such as ideas for home made Christmas cards or presents as an example. Having worked with children for over 17 years I could think of much better content for some of the activities.
3.what did you think of the design and navigation of the app?
The app was very easy to download and navigate with four sections, one on information on how to use the app,one on finding activities,one on why play is important and what children will be learning and gaining from the activities and a more resources section with links to the website and Facebook/instagram and twitter page.it was easy to chose an activity using the required age range,number of people participating,the venue for the activity indoors/outdoors or whilst travelling and the length of the activity.
4.if you tried out the favourites and share features on the app,how easy and helpful did you find them to use?
If you wanted to save an activity as a favourite all that you needed to do was to press the blue heart on the screen you would then be able to find your favourites on the home screen by clicking on the blue heart. To share an activity is also simple this just requires a click of a button and then you can chose how you want to share for example by text message,email,or on Facebook.
5.do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
No definetley not as there is a wide age range from 2+ years to the next age range specified of 5+ years, my children being 2 1/2 and 4 years I felt a lot of the activities within their age range were things I had already done with them at an earlier age than specified and also found them quite repetitive. I personally feel there needs to be a 2/3 year range then 3/5 years and then the gaps between the ages can be more spaced out.
6.are there any specific types of activities that aren't on the app you'd like to see?
Yes I think a balance of activities which promote all areas of learning, a few cooking activities for each age range,creative activities,physical,arts and crafts ,exploratory. Rather than having the set age ranges possibly tabs of learning goals such as physical development emotional,communication language and literacy etc.As some others have suggested I agree if the activities are geared to be quick activities to do with children a bullet point list of what is needed would be good,along with a picture like the 'blue peter here's one I made earlier ' so that if people are not quite sure a picture explains things easier sometimes,.

[mumsnit]

1- What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
(9 & 12 years)
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
(Some useful ideas for all families but has the added benefit for us that we can use it for fun therapy ideas for my dd who is disabled. I would particularly recommend it for this reason!)
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
(Looks a bit basic in design but on the plus side is easy to use and navigate!)
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use?
(Just used favourite option. A useful tool!)
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
(Hard to find anything that appeals to my 12 year old ds at the moment other than Xbox but great for my 9 year old. As mentioned, it was great to find new play ideas to add to our therapy sessions!)
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
(No not that I can think of!)

[glenthebattleostrich]

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

Aged 14 months, 22 months, 2, 3, 4 and 6.

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

I would probably recommend it to someone who is stuck for ideas, though we play most of the recommended games.

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

It was quite a simple design which I liked and was very easy to navigate and use.

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 to use.

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

I don't think so, and I found that when I changed age ranges the same games were suggested. This was fine when I have mindees in the house with a wide age range (usually 14 months to 6 years) but when it was just DD and I or DD and a friend then the app was suggesting games I'd play with a baby.

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

A filter for different 'occasion' crafts (i.e. Christmas, Easter, Hanukah etc) would be good.

[RhubarbAndMustard]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? We used it for my 4 year old and his friend.
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? Yes. It's great when the kids are bored and you just need some inspiration. None of the ideas are revolutionary and I do think some are a bit basic- put some toys in a bag, for instance. But we did use the 'play shops' idea, hide a toy and making islands out of cushions.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Very easy to use. The only thing I'd change is to maybe reduce the age categories down a bit. There is quite a jump between a 2 and 4 year old. There were a few 'outdoor' suggestions that crept into the 'indoor' search.
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 actually realise there was a favourite function until I read these questions, so have started using it now as that's a great idea. Didn't see the share function.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Yes, but I guess it can always be added to in app updates and maybe include some seasonal updates.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? Only as said above more seasonal/special holiday type activities.

[BathshebaSnowflakeStone]

The ages of the DC I found play ideas for are 5 and 9.

I would recommend the app, although a lot of the indoor ideas demand a big house!

Very easy to use and navigate, although could the font be a bit clearer? I couldn't read the behavioural or inquisitive benefits on my phone, the only reason I know what they are is because I read the OP!

I found both the favourites and share features easy to use.

There were plenty of ideas for the age group I was searching for, but as I said, not everyone has space for indoor bowling or to build a den. Messy creative play is restricted to the DC's bedroom, and I don't have an hour to spare to supervise my possibly ADHD 5yo DS.

I can't think of any types of activities that the app hasn't covered.
I only downloaded the app yesterday so we haven't actually tried any of the activities yet, either a 5 minute one tomorrow or a longer one at the weekend.