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

[lorka]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
My daughter is 10
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
Yes I would recommend the app. Lots of easy ideas to fit in to a range of time scales and settings.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
Very easy to use and navigate around 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 which was really easy to use. However, the heart on the home page blended in to the blue sky and wasn't really obvious to see at first. I did not use the share function.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
Yes, I think there were enough ideas. Lots of ideas we have done before but good to get your brain thinking.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
Seasonal ideas would be good. :)

[SunFinished]

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

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
yes I would recommend as sometimes I find it hard to think of activities to do with my dd that she might enjoy so this app gave age appropriate ideas. I would usually look in a book so an app is definitely Easier.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
the app was so so easy to use and I found the layout very simple but effective

4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use?
again it was very easy to use and I thought was a good idea as I often look at things and then bookmark or favourite to return to later

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
there was plenty of ideas
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
no I think there was enough content

[TheDuchessOfKidderminster]

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

DS2 is 14 months old and I've used it for ideas whilst I've been at home with him. I also have DS1 who is 4 years old but haven't used it for him yet as he's mostly been at school (I think it would be a good resource for the school holidays).

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

I would yes. There were some good ideas that seemed simple enough to execute, even though some did require a little preparation (I haven't done any of these as I've had a busy week!). Nothing that I couldn't think of for myself but I tend to feel quite bamboozled by all the things that I could be doing with my child and end up just doing the same old things! Also like it because it is free and doesn't have any 'extras' that you have to pay for.

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

It was simple but attractive in general and extremely easy to navigate. I wasn't keen on the font used and would like to have had some pictures of at least some of the activities. I didn't really use the 'why play', 'information' or 'more resources' buttons, which seemed a bit unnecessary in such a prominent position on the home page.

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 any need to use the 'share' feature but it was easy to use when I tried it. The favourites was easy to use and was helpful but would have been nice to be able to have been able to split into activities for each of my two children.

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

There were for now but I would want more content if I was using it on a regular basis. I also felt that the 0-2 age group needed dividing into under 1 and 1-2 as play activities for a 6 month old and and 18 month old for example would be very different.

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

Nothing in particular that I can think of. I would have liked to have had an indication of the preparation required for each activity as highlighted by others on this thread. I also think that it would be good to have ideas for developing particular ideas further and information about recommended toys for each age group - by this I mean 'classics' that have developmental benefits like tea sets, wooden blocks, lacing toys, chess, dominoes etc. and how you can make the most out of these things.

[SoftBlocks]

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

2 and 6.

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

Simple and easy to use and new ideas are always welcome.

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

Very simple but that's ok.

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 features yet.

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

Yes although to be honest I had already done a lot of them.

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.

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

MNHQ

Insight T&Cs apply

[WowOoo]

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

Used the app for age 7 child.

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

Yes, I would. I'd recommend it for parents with younger children who may be unable to think of things to do on a rainy day or those looking for some inspiration.

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

Easy to use and navigate. I had no problems with it 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?

I didn't share, but the favourite option was easy to use and worked when I went back to it.

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

I was really looking for something new. To be honest I have used most of the ideas that were suggested and I looked on all age groups and activities. There were some slight variations on themes. I have a very old and large book of no TV play ideas and this book has more games and the activities than the app.
My son (7) liked looking through and choosing activities. There was plenty for his age range. I told him I had to give feedback and he told me he thought it was fantastic!

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

I'd like to see more that were for the older age range. Perhaps more 'games' that are like science experiments. Planning doesn't matter - I'd just like to get some new ideas.

[HF80]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 1, 3 and 5 years

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? It's good to get ideas if at a lose end. I found at least half were things we already did /have done but might add a reminder about doing them again.

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Easy to install and work through the tabs.

4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? Haven't used the features.

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Seemed to be. But the travelling ideas seemed to non specific.

6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? A list of equipment with each idea?

[PickAChew]

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?

No. It told me nothing new.

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

Easy enough to use, though rather cluttered looking.

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?

The ones I got were barely age appropriate. Surely making pinecone fatballs for birds is something to do with a younger child.

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

Activities which are completely free. OK, so ones like counting bugs or snowflakes were there, but most good parents have already counted everything in sight with their kids, a long time before they were 10!

And just saying like, but if I have old carpet, it generally needs burning :o

[FPATEL]

My DC are 7, 5 and 3. The children have one tablet for them to share between them. It's not out much, mainly for the weekends, but when it is we get lots of 'Its not fair ', 'She won't give me a turn', etc. This app was brilliant at helping to diffuse those situations. It is easy to use, very straight forward - I like how we can select indoor/outdoor options. The children were eager to try out the different activities , and being able to select the number of players and ages, it was very inclusive. There is a good selection of activities, although we would appreciate some pictures to go with the games. The favourite and share section is easy to use and I can select a game I would like them to try on my device and share with them on theirs. I am still yet to see any of them go on the app themselves of their own choice and follow an activity through, as it would result in another sibling picking the tablet up as soon as they set it down and the squabbles will start. I like the concept and the children enjoyed the suggestions, and a great opportunity for team building at the same time

[Andbabymakesthree]

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

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

Yes. It's free and gets you thinking and playing with the children even if you are naturally playful! Lots of different ideas.
I think it'll be handy when our best baby arrives too and we need quick ideas to entertain them when feeding him etc.

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

Basic easy. Font a little difficult to read sometimes.

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 lots. I was really impressed. Will be recommending it to my friends.

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

No I think it was a good mix!

[MissB78]

The app was downloaded very easily. The App is very easy to navigate around and I love that it is split by age. My son loved doing the activities that were on the app, they were probably activities that you would already think of, but usually I forget when I am trying to do things off the top of my head.

Good variety of games and they didn't need you to go out and buy anything as in most cases you could use what you already had at home.

I also liked the description of what areas the games were good for, so if you wanted to work on well-being or social you knew which games supported that. I enjoyed testing this app and would recommend to my friends.

[pinkunicornsarefluffy]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? age 8
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? I would recommend it for younger children maybe
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Easy to navigate the app, design was good
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? did not try
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? not enough age specific for 8 year olds, no
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? no

All in all, the app is a good idea, but as always I am lacking in time to try too many of the ideas with DC

[4isplenty]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
They are 3 years old and a 14 month old.

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
I would recommend. It was easy to use and fun.

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
Basic design. Very 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 did not use this.

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
I think so, yes.


6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
No, it all seemed a very good range.

Just to add, I (we) really did love the choice and activities featured.

[Pigeonpea]

I was picked to be a tester, but the App would not open on my up to date i pad mini!

So, not inclusive and dissappointed that, as with all other apps, there is no differentiation and they can be opened on i pad, or i phone

[Purplehonesty]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 4 and 7
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? Yes it's really good and gave us new ideas
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
Navigation was fine, the design was a bit old fashioned
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 use the share option, favourites was good tho!
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
Yes there were lots of new and old ideas and plenty to choose from
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

[heyday]

1. DC is 5.
   
2. I guess I might mention the app to others but, in all honesty, I wasn't too enthusiastic about it.
   
3. There was certainly a lot on the site but, to me at least, it did feel that it just wasn't technologically very engaging.
   

4.havent tried these yet.

1. There were quite a lot of ideas but some of them were repeated and lots of them we have been playing for years already.
   
2. Some more science based ideas would be good.
   

Overall not a bad app but in all honesty it didn't over excite either myself or DS.

[boptanana]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
3 and 6
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
Yes, it's a fun format and can inspire you when you're in a rut with ideas.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
Fun 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?
Really straight forward.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
Yes loads!
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
No

[StickChildNumberTwo]

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

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
I'm not jumping up and down in excitement telling everyone I know to get it, but if someone was looking for ideas I might point them in this direction.

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
The search feature worked well, but I found it hard to get back to where I wanted to be.

4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use?
I knew these features were there because of this question, but had to really hunt to find them - if I'd not known they were there I'd never have spotted them. Once I'd favourited something I then struggled to find where to see a list of my favourites.

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
There were enough to keep me going, some of which were new, many were just reminding me of something I could have thought of but at that moment hadn't.

6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
Can't think of anything in particular.

[MissChandlersWorld]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? My Dd is 18 months old
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? No. There was a really disappointing number of activities and because there was such a big age gap (0-2 years), a lot of the activities were far to young for her.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? The design and navigation is really basic and simple to use which I really like that.
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 notice there was a share button but I did notice the favourites, great for saving activities you want to use again.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? No.There seemed a lot at first but found myself clicking next on most of them as they were just to young for her.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? No.

I really do love the idea of this app but I don't think it's something I would often use.

[PseudoBadger]

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

3 and 5 years

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

Yes as it is a quick way to either get a new idea for an activity or remind you of a favourite.

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

It's quite basic but 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 fine to use, but the share icon is quite well hidden against the background.

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

Not really, it also brought up the same idea first each time, it would be nice to mix these up.

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

I would like to choose a 'prop' and then search for games using it. For example show me all games with a ball. Or all activities with a pen.

[10emptybottles]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 4 and 6
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? Yes, it was good forgetting ideas when you have run out. It was very successful on a rainy Saturday. The boys 'helped me' look through the ideas and enjoyed using the app to find games. The main thing I didn't like was that some of the games required a lot of preparation in advance.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? It was very easy to use and the friendly design helps the usability.
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? I love the favourites, I have saved around 12 games to favourites to use in future. It is very easy to save to favourites and access afterwards. I tried out the share function. I can see how this would be useful as the entire script is shared so I would be able to let friends know about my favourite activities.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Yes there were plenty for inside and outside. Some of the travelling games were a bit beyond us though.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? There are a lot of craft and sport activities, how about more science experimentation?

[BeeMyBaby]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? Under 1, 5,6

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
Yes, it was easy to use

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
It doesn't look that nice but it works well.

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

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
Yes, although some of the 0-2 suggestions were too basic.

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

[Moodykat]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
DSs are 7 & 5
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
Yes! For those moments when they "are bored" and you have run out of inspiration, or patience, to think of anything!
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
I loved it. Very user friendly, although I agree with previous posters that a list of key "ingredients" for each activity would be a massive plus.
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 them yet but I am sure I will.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
Yes, there seemed to be lots.
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 actually, most types of activity seem to be covered.

[mumsbe]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
3 and 8
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
Not really the ideas given were not very unusual

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
it was easy to use and very bright and colurful

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?
very easy no problems.

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

[Babedestiny]

I used this app to get some play ideas for my 16 months old,3 and 8 years old.I dont think i will recommend the app just yet as it need a few improvements.There were repetition in age groups and the lack of pictures and only instructions made me dislike this app.
I find it easy to navigate and like the favourite button for coming back to it.There were plenty of play ideas but i thought it was an app for family to all play and have fun together.However,i realise it wasnt.
Overall,an ok app for now and will go online for more ideas.

[Buzzardbird]

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

Nine

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

Difficult one really. I would recommend if asked, but wouldn't want to insult someone who might think that I think they are unimaginative.

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

Perfectively easy and 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?

Didn't use as DD thought the information was things she does anyway.

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

Yes, plenty of ideas...if you haven't already thought of them

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

Maybe some links to sponsored events which are based on active days out in your area?