I can’t prove it, but my guess is that children have been playing with pots and pans for about as long as pans and pots have existed. And why not, they are delightfully enjoyable loose parts. They are the go-to loose part of any experienced toddler-parent trying to prepare a meal–“Kenny, I need to focus on slicing these tomatoes so I still have thumbs when mommy gets home. Why don’t you play with these?”

What Can’t You Do With Pots and Pans?

They can be used in dramatic play. They can be used in water, mud, and other sensory play. They can be banged and clanged to play with sound. They can be used for transporting other loose parts from place to place. They can be filled and dumped. They can be used as targets when playing with beanbags or slingshots. With a bit of tape, twine, and imagination, they can even be used to construct a suit of armor sturdy enough for battle with the fiercest of imaginary dragons.

One great thing about pots and pans as loose parts is that they are readily available at thrift stores and yard sales. Another is that once you have them, they tend to last a long, long time. I have a couple specimens here at Playvolution HQ that three generations of children of played with.

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