About role play

Why role play is so much more than just fun

For young children, play is more than a pastime — it’s how they learn about the world. Role play, in particular, is one of the most powerful forms of early learning. It supports every area of development, from communication and emotional growth to problem-solving and physical coordination. At Discovery Village, we’ve created the perfect environment for children to learn through doing, helping them thrive in a space designed just for them.

Discovery Village isn't just about having fun, it's all about role play which is important for a childs development

Learning through imagination

Role play allows children to explore real-life experiences in a safe, imaginative way. Whether they’re pretending to be a fire officer, chef, postal worker or shopkeeper, they’re building key skills that lay the foundations for future learning. At Discovery Village, our nine beautifully designed role play areas — each filled with wooden toys, costumes and age-appropriate activities — spark creativity while encouraging collaboration and storytelling.

These kinds of play-based experiences support the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum by developing:

  • Communication and Language – through speaking, listening and storytelling

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development – by sharing, turn-taking and managing emotions

  • Understanding the World – as children explore everyday roles and routines

  • Physical Development – through dressing up, moving props and exploring their space

Children learning through dance and movement

Learn through play

Children in Bournemouth learning through music whilst playing

STORYTELLING

Sensory play improves children's cognitive skills

Sensory Play

Live performers lead the way

What makes Discovery Village truly unique is that every session is led by a live actor, guiding children through a story-packed adventure. These sessions include movement, themed games, songs, searching activities, and storytelling, all carefully designed to inspire creativity and build confidence.

Our live performers gently support children in following their curiosity, helping them engage in meaningful role play while still allowing space for independent exploration.

Role play isn’t just valuable for children — it’s a wonderful way for parents, grandparents and carers to connect through play. Sitting down for tea in the play café, building together in the construction area, or joining in the songs led by our actor creates magical moments of shared imagination and joy.

Discovery Village is a fun and exciting play area where families make lasting memories

At Discovery Village, we believe that role play is one of the most meaningful ways for children to learn. Our calm, immersive play environment, live storytelling sessions, and beautifully crafted play areas offer children aged 1–7 the chance to grow, explore, and imagine — all while building the skills they’ll use for life.

Improve physical development through movement, dance and dressing up
Children develop emotionally, personally and socially through learning to share, working as a team and taking turns in our activities at Discovery Village
Parents explore role play village with children building bonds and helping them to use their imagination
Giving children the opportunity to explore in a safe space builds confidence and helps them form friendships
Help children to understand the world around them inside our role play village in Christchurch, Dorset
Imaginative play forms part of every childs development.
Discovery village is all about role play from working in a beauty salon to helping out at the post office