What type of play involves children playing beside each other but not directly interacting?

Parallel play is a stage of play in which children engage in similar activities side by side, often playing with the same types of toys or materials, but do not interact directly with one another. This type of play typically occurs in young children, usually around the ages of 2 to 3 years old. During parallel play, children are aware of each other but focus more on their own individual play experiences rather than collaborating or forming interactions.

This stage is significant in child development as it lays the groundwork for later forms of play where interaction becomes more pronounced. It allows children to explore their environment and activities independently while still being part of a social setting. Cooperative play and associative play, on the other hand, involve different levels of direct interaction and collaboration, which distinguishes them from parallel play.