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

[FireflyGirl]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
I have one DC aged 20 months.
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
I think if it was free I would maybe mention it to friends, but I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend it. A lot of the ideas were things that we already do, and some of the ideas were very babyish. I think the younger ages need to be split down - eg 0-6 months, 6-12 months. There were also some in the sub-categories which just weren't suitable Ie ball games indoors.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
It seemed very basic. It was easy to navigate but the style of it (think a pp described as home made, and I would agree) put me off a bit.
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, and found it easy to mark something as a favourite but less easy to then find it. I didn't use the 'share' feature as there was nothing that I felt was worth sharing.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
I only really looked at the activities for DC'S age, but found them rather uninspiring. As above, splitting the age group then adding more ideas may help.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
You could maybe do sections for at the park/in the garden/walking to the shops rather than 'outside'.

Overall, in its current state this app is likely to just be deleted.

[FranksBobot]

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

1 and 10

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

I would if I was asked but probably not otherwise. A lot of the ideas are things we would already have thought of. Was disappointed at a lot of the activity suggestions that would cost a lot of money e.g. Trip to the zoo! Thankfully my eldest understood exactly why that was not going to be a possibility!

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

Very basic looking, incredibly 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 have not used these features.

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

I felt the 0-2 category was far to wide spread. The activities were either too young or too old for my 1 year old. It also brought up a lot of the same ideas for both 0-2 and 10+ which was a bit baffling at times.

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

Again seasonal activities would be good to see

[whosfred]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
2.8 years
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
I would mention it if similar came up
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
Really can't put my finger on why I dislike the but it doesn't really appeal, maybe if the home figures were a bit more cartoonish? Also if you search by age and indoors which we have during the last week (stuck indoors due to illness) you have to scroll through the same ideas each time before you get to something new- needs to be able to be mixed up/random
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? Not been used as did not really notice these options
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Yes but they are things we have tried before or could come up with ourselves but was good to get us doing something different each day
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? No as good range of ideas covered, maybe if the options could be further refined to highlight a particular benefit would be good.
occasions or seasons for outdoor ideas would be great too.

[duggerlugs]

I tried the app with my 2 year old.

The concept of suggested activities and the related benefits is good. Useful for parents who maybe aren't creative or logical and vice versa or just need a new idea.

I'd recommend the app as it is free however it would benefit from including videos to aid different learning styles

Layout is easy to navigate. Used favourites and that was simple but not share function.

Enough activities for the category I looked into.

[BonjourMinou]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 3 and 18 months
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
Yes, absolutely, I will definitely be recommending this app to my mum friends. It'a great for those days when you need to occupy the kids but just can't think what to do with them.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
Very clear and intuitive.
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? No i didn't notice these but I might use them in the future.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the age group you were searching for?: for my 3 year old daughter, yes. I found the 0-2 age group was more geared towards newborns. My 18 month old son is well past the point of sitting down feeling different textures, so in the end I put him down for 2+ activities and accepted he would need more help.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? I would have liked a recipe for home made play dough, simple things you can make at home.

I've attached a photo of them doing the cardboard castle activity, this kept them occupied for hours!

[Bryna]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 12,10 and 2

2 – Would you recommend the app? Yes Why? It has some good ideas

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
It was easy to use and to navigate, however quite often the filters don't appear to work i.e. I ask for 10+ and it would come up with a game for a preschooler-recognising numbers, colours etc. 0-2yrs came up with -write an old fashioned handwritten letter to a relative!!!!🤔
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 the 'favourite' feature which is handy to bookmark ideas

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
Not enough for the older children/inappropriate ideas

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

[itshappenedagain]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? Ds 10 and dd 6
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? For children under 10 yes, it's a bit simple for older children and found my ds thought some of the ideas were "for babies"
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Great app, easy to use good layout, with quick results.
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? The favourites was easy to use, even the children could do it.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? The ideas for 10+ was very generic and were things we would do anyway.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? Pre bedtime ideas, for when I try to get them to shut up wind them down before bed.

[RainbowHash]

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

6 year old and 4 year old

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

To be honest, I probably wouldn't recommend it. The majority of the ideas were quite obvious, and not particularly inspiring. E.g. play tennis, play catch, play 'it', get creative by making stuff. I was hoping for some newer and more original play ideas. I guess I would recommend it if a friend said they were really struggling to entertain their child, and didn't know what to do, but I wouldn't recommend to my my circle of friends as a 'great app' or a particularly useful tool.

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

Navigation was certainly simple and obvious. The design was too clunky for me. Didn't seem streamlined or modern. Nice & colourful for children though I guess. Just wasn't a visually appealing experience for me.
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' function worked well and was nice and simple to use. The 'share' feature was a bit odd in that no accompanying text is sent with the play idea. It would seem a bit 'out of the blue' and to the point to the recipient. A simple intro like "check out this play idea from....".

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

I think there was enough - just what there was, wasn't original enough for me.

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

More detailed & specific arts & crafts ideas.

[MimsyBorogroves]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
I used the app for my 4 year old and my 8 year old.

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
Undecided. Maybe to a new parent, or in a professional capacity to a parent who was really struggling with ideas with 'play', but I thought a lot of them were very, very basic and repeated throughout the ages. The ideas I was given for my 4 year old were repeated for my 8 year old, and as I searched through the ages, they were also repeated for the older ages too.

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
I loved it. Very eye catching, easy to use and navigate - I thought it was well thought out and designed to be accessible to all. Children would also be able to use it independently, as much as I realise that isn't in the nature 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?
I used the 'favourite' feature and found this easy to use.

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
No, as I said the fact that they were repeated through the ages were very limiting, and didn't take into account the different needs of the age groups. It would be useful for parents/carers/professionals to be able to submit their own ideas - there is a brilliant hivemind out there who can come up with fantastic stuff and really keep the app fresh.

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

[CheeseAtFourpence]

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

6 year old DD but I had a look at older ideas for my DNs.


2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

Maybe - for parents who struggle with ideas for play. Thought some of the suggestions were run of the mill activities and not particularly novel. Did think it might be useful when traveling to get my phone out (not driving obviously!!) and look for ideas.

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

Bright layout and easy to use. Not immediately obvious where the favourites where stored however. Distinctive sections and search function very clear.

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 and useful to mark favourites, just took me a minute or two to spot the pale blue heart where they were stored. Share option seemed straightforward.

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

For my 6 year old yes. Not sure about my 9 and 10 year old DNs. Some suggestions seemed quite young and lots of repetition across all the age groups.

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

Can't think of any.

[OvO]

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? Yes, found lots of ideas and had fun with my DC. The 12 year old isn't quite at the too cool for mum stage so it was nice to get him involved with this too.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? It's a simple design, but too primary coloured but it's for very young kids too so I understand why. 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? Have used either yet.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Yes, lots.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? No.

[NerrSnerr]

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

2

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

Yes I would, had some really good ideas for things to do around the house.

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

Easy to navigate and nice, bright 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 shared an activity with my husband- really easy to do.

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

Yes, there were a number of activities and they were all age appropriate

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

No

[lottietiger]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
Boy age 3
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
Yes I would, its free and jogs your memory with ideas mostly that are very cheap to make/do. I like the fact you can break idea down into categories, inside/outside/travel & time spans 15 mins/30 mins etc
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
Its very clear and easy to use, young children are able to use it readily.
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? Not used the share facility but the favourites was very simple to use and a great idea for remembering games.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
Yes, there seemed plenty but some where a little young, I guess 2-5 is a big age gap.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
there are plenty of good ideas in all categories, so its mostly all covered, I cant think of anything missing type wise but it would be useful if you could break down into winter or summer as some of the ideas only work if their is snow for instance.

[waterlily200]

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

2yr11m and 3yr8m Girls


2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

Yes, there's a good range of activities covering a wide range or scenarios. If the first suggestion doesn't suit another s offered quickly and simply.

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

The app was 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?

I see favorite and found it easy to us .

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

The age group was 2+ which extends to the next category of 5+ . Some of the activities suggested were a bit basic for my girls but others where really engaging and fun. If I came across something they didn't like for they were too old for it was easy to get an alternative as there were so many options.

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 for the age I was using.

[Lovewatchingrainfall]

1 – My Daughter is 3.
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
Yes its easy to use and does come up with some good ideas. I like the fact it has a range of ideas for indoor and outdoor play ideas.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
I found the app very easy to navigate and use. The design is simple to use and understand.
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 okay, however once you have added them it is hard to find them again, a separate section would be good.

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
I found a lot of the play ideas overlapped in the age range which meant they were not really age specific. So more age specific play ideas would be good.

6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
A range of seasonal play ideas and crafts would be great, such as Autumn crafts, summer crafts would be amazing.

[Pillowaddict]

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, some great suggestions of things to do with kids!
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? 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? Favourite easy - didn't use share
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Yes, I used for both and there was some crossover but that was fine as games and ideas were relevant t to both
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 - maybe a feature to upload ideas or even a scrapbook for your own use where you can upload pics etc to keep track of what you've done and enjoyed might be a fun thing to do with the children (they love to see pics of them self!)

[Sierra259]

1 What are the ages of the DC's that you found play ideas for on this app?
11months and nearly 4

2 Would you recommend the app? Why?
Definitely for younger children who are difficult to entertain for longer periods sometimes. It gave some nice simple activities. There was a bit too much overlap between ages however, with many of the same activities suggested for both age ranges I searched.

3 What did you think of the design and navigation of the app
Nice, easy to read layout. On the first page, I think the Play Ideas button should have been bigger than the other ones on that page. Easy to set your search filters. I didn't find shaking the phone worked to change pages, but scrolling through worked fine.

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 favourite. The share icon should probably be a different colour on the blue background to help it stand out more, but it was simple to use when I found it.

5 Do you think there were enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
Just about. There was quite a lot of repetition of activities, even with a 3 year age gap. Some of the activities do require prep, but you can favourite the ones that interest you for another day.

6 Are there any specific types of activities that aren't on the app that you'd like to see?
Some seasonal activities would be good e.g Halloween, Christmas etc I would definitely recommend it, especially to new mums.

[cannotmakemymindup]

1 - What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
My Dd is 2 and a half
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
I would recommend it because it helped me think of things i had forgotten you could do as play activities. I'm sure they're are other parents in the same boat.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
Not the apps strong points. Bit of a dated looking interface. Initially as well I didn't have a clue how to get started. The tutorial isn't much help. Im used to swip screens that show you functions.
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use?
I liked the favourite tool as it means I don't have to go through the entire list to refund that activity I liked but want to try in the future.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
Yes and no. I tried the 2+ age group however some of the activities won't be suitable until my DD is older maybe 4. So could do with being more specific. Also some activities, maybe due to age i didn't think were safe as such such as using used drinks cans etc that I know my Dd would be putting fingers into.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
I don't think so, there is so many activities to complete.

[WarmHugs]

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

5 and 7

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

No, there wasn't anything new or fresh.

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

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 couldn't find either of these.

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

There were plenty, but nothing new.

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

New ideas!

[Rigbyroo]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 2.5 and 4.5
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? Yes, it was easy to use and was a fun way to try something new.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? simple 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? The favourite feature was very easy to use.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Yes there were enough, the ideas gave inspiration to develop further.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? No

[ColdCottage]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? My son is 2 1/2 years old

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
I'm not sure, most of the things in his age range are things I do anyway. It is a good reminder. Think I'd recommend for older children.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
Nice and simple but would be good to have more filters
Links to more detailed info for the creative skills perhaps with videos showing how to do them or more step by step guides for some items, especially for older children's ideas.
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 use
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
No, more imagination games would be good. Lots of the ideas require additional materials. Not so useful when out and about when you often need ideas.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
Imagination ideas, cooking ideas, drawing ideas

I think with some tweaks this will be a much used app.

[MrsFrTedCrilly]

1. Children 3 and 8.
   
2. I would recommend the app as I felt it gave simple ideas that were easy to execute and didn't require massive amounts of equipment or planning. Exactly what's needed when you're a tired strung out parent up since 5am!
   
3. Very easy to use & navigate.
   
4. Didn't use the share feature, favourites was easy to use,
   

5 . More than enough ideas.

1. I think an plamning list would be useful, as in if it's s game that needs preparation or planning You have an option to choose a game with 5 mins prep time or 20 minutes prep time...

[Sixgeese]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 11, 9 and 7

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? Maybe for a newish parent or someone with no ideas whats so ever as most of the suggestions were things we already do and when I was searching for 10 plus not really age appropriate - I can't see my 11 year old doing colouring or counting snowflakes

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
Ok, 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 try them.

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
Lots of ideas but I didn't find any that were different from things we already do, nothing that had me thinking we must try that, or I never thought of that.

6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
Weather specific ideas would be good, the counting snow for example is not really a feasible idea for an autumn day.

[Metellaestinhortobibit]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 6 and 9
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? Yes because it was easy to use and a quick way of answering the dcs when they say they're bored. DCs can use it themselves too.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Easy to use, I liked the filter option. I'd like to see an option to store ideas of my own, a bit like Pinterest, and share them.
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 as a way to highlight ideas I liked the look of as I scrolled through the lists. It was easy to use.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? No, can never have enough ideas!
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? Most of the activities were things we'd already done but I found it a quick way of generating suggestions for the dc and it was good to be reminded of things we'd enjoyed in the past and might want to do again. I agree with a pp that links to demos would be useful. Id like to see more activities that don't require specific equipment and materials.

[Gobbolinothewitchscat]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 3, 2 and 1
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? Definitely! Easy to use and lots of good ideas for when mummy has brain freeze
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? - very simple and easy to use. Attractive interface. Really like how it is easy to quickly make age selections etc.
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 and helpful.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Yes. Although would always welcome them being updated. Maybe a feedback option as would be good to see other parents' ideas too.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? No - it was very comprehensive. Some easy baking recipes would be good though. Perhaps they are there for older children though