This qualitative study aimed to explore parents’ perceptions of children’s play in Hong Kong. Semistructured
interviews were conducted to ask how parents defined and valued play. Data analysis from
forty participants’ qualitative quotes revealed that participating parents had a positive view toward the
importance of enhancing learning through children’s play. In addition, some participating parents
defined play as a broad spectrum encompassing four themes: innate in nature, free from rules or
constraints, self-directed or spontaneously initiated, and age-appropriate. Also, some parents
highlighted play as having various benefits for children’s cognitive, social-emotional, and physical
development. The findings of this study add to the existing knowledge base by identifying parents’
diverse perceptions about play and learning. It also reflects a growing parental consensus of viewing
play as a multi-dimensional concept valuable for whole child development.