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

[goldwrapped]

Hi. Thanks for letting me roadtest the app. Here are my responses...
1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 12
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? I think it's a great app, but a bit young for my daughter. Under 10's would probably really appreciate the interaction between them, the app and the carer.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Easy to navigate and user friendly.
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 them, sorry.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Not really - at 12 my daughter found the app and the games a bit young for her.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? No.

[gammatron]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 7 months
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? Yes I would recomend it, there are some nice free/ low cost ideas
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Easy to use, it would be good if the ideas were in a list (like a hyperlink) instead of clicking 'next' to ones you've already seen
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 easy to recall after
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? I think the 0-2 bracket should be broken down into smaller age ranges, lots of things in the bracket aren't suitable for all 0-2 years
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? We bought a cheap foil blanket (the type used to keep people warm in emergencies), it provided loads of fun for my baby, a great sensory idea!

[Sammyislost]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
They are 3 and 6 years old.

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
YES!! Because we had so much fun. So many of the ideas that were on the app were things I wouldn't have thought of, things we had never done before. Things like Playing Leap Frog, or Memory games using household objects were games we played and loved, that I had played as a child and forgotten. We also had a lot of fun learning foreign languages in the car! I'd never thought about using it as a game before, but it kept the kids awake and happy on an evening journey home.

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
I love it. It did exactly what I wanted it to and I found it easy to find the play ideas. It did crash a lot 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?
Yes they were easy to do and the children enjoyed favouriting games to play later too.

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

Yes, so many! I haven't found a play idea yet that we couldn't do either.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
Errrrm, I hadn't really thought about that. Perhaps a party games section would be good. Or search play ideas on certain themes or words...eg Christmas, or Dinosaurs.

[Changingagain]

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

1

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

No. The ideas for a one year old were very basic and unoriginal.

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

It was good, not great but good.

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 these features.

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

No.

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

I was hoping for ideas that I couldn't think of myself and hadn't already used.

[hanliying]

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, very easy to use and a lot of fresh ideas
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? easy to navigate and customization is easier than thought
4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? easy to use the favorite function. Share feature is not easy to find at first but once found, easy to use
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

[peakypie]

1 – 5 and nearly 3
2 – Yes definitely, it's got lots of suggestions that are different and easy to use. Great idea!
3 – Easy to download and navigate around. Good design and images throughout. Sometimes the descriptive text was a bit confusing and expected you to have certain props, like the box in the animal guessing game.
4 - Tbh it took me a wee while to figure out how to find my favourites, but all good now!
5- Yes there were, but once we used it a few times, we noticed that the same activities started coming up. But easy to flick to another one so not a problem.
6 - Baking? Haven't seen one of those?

Thanks for the opportunity!

[SilverLinings2014]

I used the app to find play ideas for my almost 2 year old. I would recomm be it to friends as a good source of ideas especially this time of year when it's. It as easy to spend time outside.
Navigation of the app was easy and intuitive. The favourite function is great; I looked at the games in two age ranges and some were a bit unsuitable right now but will be great in 2-3 months so favouritig them will help me find them quickly.

There were plenty of good play ideas but some of them need preparation so not something you can quickly do.

I would like to see a function whereby users can bmkt play ideas for other users to see etc. And a user rating system would also be helpful to see at a quick glance how other people rated each activity.

[Zipideedodah]

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

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
No

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
If like to see it improved. I don't think the design of the home screen (with the four boxes) works. Maybe showcase a few recently visited play ideas here along with the search, and give less priority to the information / resources / why play sections (which should be less frequently used)
I looked the quick and easy way to select search options, but on searching I'd like to be able to quickly scroll through a list of results rather than have to go through the results individually.

4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use?
Favourite - Reasonably easy, maybe visually highlight the heart a bit better to make it more obvious.

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
No.

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

[shortbreadsharon]

My children are 3 & 7. I would recommend this app for parents who find it hard to come up with ideas or for stents busy looking for things to spend time with their kids in a certain amount of time. The app was appealing in bright colours. I found the favourite and share button but perhaps make them stand out would be better. I felt like I already did a lot of the ideas already. I think some video clips and a way to send in your ideas would be good.

[OhHolyFuck]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
2+ (for ds2 who's 3) and 5+ (for ds1 who's nearly 6)

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
No - the ideas were 'obvious' things I thought, like play with play doh or play hide and seek rather than things I might not have thought off

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
Very easy to navigate, clear labelled buttons, site flows

4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use?
Very helpful if there's something you want to come back to

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
Yes enough ideas just ones I'd do most days

6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
More 'out there' things or themed - chiristmas, Easter bonnets type things

[Chelsea26]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 4 and 5 so I used the 5+ option
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? Yes it's good to for the odd idea and free so why not?
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? it's easy to use and quite colourful
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 thing and that was good. Especially when you came across an idea that looked fun but not suited to what you were searching for (coloured water bottles for travelling anyone?) I cant see myself using the share button to be honest
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Yes there seemed to be a lot
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

[redbook]

My DC is 3

I quite liked the app and I would recommend it if I were having a conversation of inspiring play ideas. There are many obvious games on the app, but sometimes it's hard to think if things yourself.

I thought the design was amateur. It doesn't look slick like some apps, but it is easy to navigate.

I did not try the share and I cannot see the favourites functionality.

Yes, there are loads of play ideas. I like how you can choose between indoor and outdoor. I have not got bored yet.

There are not any activities I would like to see on there. If I had the ideas myself I would already be doing the activities. The choice already on there is good.

Thanks for introducing me to the app.

[janney3]

1. 7 and 11 years.
   
   
2. Yes, especially for first time Mums and Dads. A lot of the ideas were great and fun but not much that we hadn't done before. Still it's great to have variations on a theme.
   
   
3. really easy to use ( had trouble installing it but was probably the device I was using.)
   
   
4. Used the favourite but not the share feature.
   
   
5. yes lots of ideas. Hard to put into age categories as children differ so much.
   
   
6. pictures would improve the app.

[8kidswhoscounting]

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

Ds 7, dd 5, dd 3, dd 2, dd 1.

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

Its good to think of ideas to play to be able to bond more stronger with your children, so if a friend or family member was struggling to bond with their child i would recommend this app to them.

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

It was clear and easy to use, however would prefer a sharper font.
didn't
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 that was great to save games from the home page. Share option was straightforward.

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

There are good ideas and nice to be reminded if you forget but they were repeated often through the age groups.

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

No.

Thank you for selecting us to test the app.

[MsAtomicBomb]

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

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? I would probably recommend it if someone mentioned they were struggling for ways to entertain their children but not otherwise.

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? It was very basic which is not necessarily a bad thing as it meant it was very quick and easy to use. However I'm not sure how 'professional' it felt.

4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? I've not tried these yet but I can see how I would use them in future, by searching for activities in advance and favouriting them to come back to later and to share enjoyed activities with my partner.

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Yes although like another poster I do think the age group 0-2 should be further split up as there are huge differences in development between these ages.

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 activities that didn't require a lot of prep. I thought the lava game where you had to use cushions and things to get from one side of the room the other was great, the setting up lots of paints to make messy hand print pictures with not so much!

[Iamnotanugget]

What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 2, 5 & 8.

Would you recommend the app? Why? No, while I loved the idea of the app the ideas weren't always age appropriate, or needed too much planning or required odd items like carpet tube. Lots of old ideas that you probably know anyway or would get from the many, many 'your developing baby/toddler' websites.

What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Easy to use and looks good.

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.

Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Yes but I would have liked some new ideas and for games that could be played right now.

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

[Belmo]

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

Five and a baby (6 months)

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

Yes - I think it's a great idea. Perfect for an afternoon with no plans, when I always feel like we should be doing something fab, but we end up watching telly!

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

The design isn't particularly slick, but it's fine, and it's easy enough 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?

Easy to use, and I like the fact you can favourite- not sure I'd have spotted it if you hadn't asked.

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

Brilliant for the older one, for the baby I think the age range could do with being broken down further- lots was much too old for him.

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!

[Tonkatol]

1. I used this app with my DD who is aged 10. To be honest, I feel she was perhaps too old for many of the suggestions. She enjoyed using the app to come up with ideas and, although i had installed it on my phone, she also installed it on her tablet.
   
2. I would recommend the app, probably for someone with a younger child and I think it would be more useful if it was your first child as you often forget the games you played as a child. Some ideas were not particularly helpful - Bat the Rat was given as a suitable activity for a 10 year old indoors - although a stuffed sock was suggested for use, I would not be allowing a 10 year old to use a bat and any type of "ball" indoors. Also, Ring O Roses was suggested - if my DD had a friend round, she would be highly embarrassed if i was to suggest this game to her.
   
3. I really liked the design and navigation of the app - it was so simple to use and I liked the way you could choose as many or as few options as you wish. This would be particularly useful if you had children of different ages.
   
4. I used the favourite option to bookmark a couple of ideas but haven't used the share facility yet.
   
5. For the 10+ age group, there were a number of ideas but, too be honest, there were not many that we hadn't already used. There were a couple of suggestions that I didn't feel appropriate (as mentioned above) and there were one or two suggestions that acted to refresh my mind as they were ideas I did know about or had tried in the past but had forgotten about, so that was useful. It possibly is more difficult for the 10+ age group as they are more likely to entertain themselves rather than rely on parents to find things to do - don't get me wrong, I do spend time with my DD doing different activities but, unlike a 3 year old, she doesn't need to be entertained nearly all of the time.
   
6. I can't think of a general area that is missing, but i feel there should be a button where you could offer up your own ideas - this would increase the popularity of the app and would ensure some "older" games and ideas don't die out.
   
   Thank you for advising me of this app - I found it useful and interesting. I would recommend it particularly to those caring for younger children or first time parents as it has lots of good ideas, even if only acts as a memory refresher.

[Pickofthepops]

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

My two are 2 and 8 1/2

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

Yes - for its simplicity and ease of use, plus realistic range of ideas.

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

So straightforward. Love it!

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 obviously uses same icon for share as other websites etc so just so intuitive

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

Yes - definitely - plenty!

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 - will look to see how sporty some ideas for older children are as my 8 yr old loves any sport

[Pickofthepops]

Actually I very ditto the two last paras of the MNer who posted immediately prior to me, Tonkatol I think. Would like to input own ideas - though I'm not that creative and was really pleased to find the old faves my mum used to give us as ideas when was a kid - i.e. Blanket over chairs to make a tent

[123julie321]

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 was easy to use, free and lots of new and exciting ideas for fun activities
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Really easy to use, very straightforward
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 out the share feature but favourite was easy and helpful
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? Yes, there were lots of ideas, although some were a bit too basic for DD so perhaps a bit of tweaking needed for age appropriateness
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? Perhaps some Christmas themed activities would be nice coming into the festive season

[nushcar]

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

4 and 5

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?

No, because I do not struggle for play ideas and do not know many people that do. Kids of my own upwards usually hsbebiwn ideas about what they want to do and is a wrath of information available on internet already for play ideas with kids.

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

Very simple and easy to use, like idea of being able to select age and time appropriate games.

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 and nice to keep list of favourites so you can pass to childminder etc easily.

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

Yes, would like to see more incentive Ines and maybe pictures

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

Specific craft activities and literacy skill activities

[Mrscog]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 1 and 4
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why? Yes, it was easy to use and really useful for 'draggy' times of day where I would normally stick the TV on - it was good to just get a bit of inspiration.

3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app? Well designed and easy to use although not that slick artistic design wise.

4 - If you tried out the ‘favourite’ and ‘share’ features on the app, how easy and helpful did you find them to use? I only used favourite but I found it easy to use and a really helpful feature.

5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for? I think so, although some of them seemed to come around again and again - it would be good to have a 'dismiss for today' function.

6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see? It's hard to say. I think some more specific ideas would be good so rather than just drawing/paints etc. something like draw animals/ patterns etc. I really struggle for inspiration when I've got a 1 year old tantrumming so short snappy specific ideas are really helpful.

[lostinlego]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app? 10 and 14

2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
Easy to navigate and use
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
Very straightforward
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?
Lots of ideas but most we have done in the past. Maybe better for a younger family.
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 at the moment.

[happy13]

1 – What are the ages of the DCs that you found play ideas for on the app?
I found ideas for my 2 year old,and under one year old.
2 – Would you recommend the app? Why?
I found some new ideas although i already knew some of the ideas.but any new ideas are good to find,so would recommend ,as most will find a few new things to try.
3 – What did you think about the design and navigation of the app?
The design is good,and has a good layout that is is easy to navigate.I did find though when I clicked on indoor game ideas,ball games came up a lot,and some meant for outdoor so that was obviously a mistake 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?
I found it easy and useful having the favourite feature,you just click on heart icon on the game page you are on and it saves in favourite on homepage, by clicking on heart icon you get the list of your chosen games.I found this useful as I searched through games ideas that I found more suited for my children,and that they had not tried to play another day.
I have not used the share feature yet,but it's useful to have that option if needed.
5- Do you think there are enough play ideas for the particular age group you were searching for?
I found it could do with another category for maybe for under 12 months and 1+ as babies change a lot between 0-2,so they also like different games.
6 - Are there any specific types of activities that aren’t on the app that you’d like to see?
There are lot of different ideas including craft ones but the more craft ideas the better,