Play Styles *

Play Styles *

Play creates more joy, relaxation and fulfillment in our lives, yet most of us think we are “bad” at it.

What if we told you that the key to unlocking the lost art of play is discovering what play style actually resonates with us? Just as personality frameworks like the Enneagram or Myers-Briggs help us better understand ourselves and others in work and relationships, play styles give us a way to identify and embrace the activities that bring us joy.

According to The National Institute for Play, there are eight personalities that describe the ways we play. While we each have a primary style, we often like to play in multiple ways, depending on our mood and environment.

Be sure to take the PLAY ARCHETYPE quiz to find out which style most resonates with you and then take a peek at some of our play date ideas below to inspire you. Share your play style with friends and get to know theirs by rotating through these activities.

Person browsing vinyl records in a store. Collector play style.

Collector

You find joy in collecting items or experiences, and you love the thrill of finding something unique.

A hand with red nail polish holding a champagne glass filled with colorful confetti, placed on a pink surface. A large disco ball and gold tinsel curtain are visible in the background. Director play style.

Director

You love planning, organizing, and leading others in activities, events and projects.

Street dancer performing a mid-air flip surrounded by onlookers in an urban setting. Kinesthete play style.

Kinesthete

You feel most alive when you’re moving your body, whether it’s sports, dance, or physical challenges.

Overhead view of four athletes running on a track with lane markings. Competitor play style.

Competitor

You thrive on competition, structured games, and pushing yourself to win.

A person walking in a rocky desert canyon with palm trees and sunlight streaming through the cliffs. Explorer play style.

Explorer

Whether it’s discovering new places, ideas or experiences, exploration and learning is your vibe.

A person wearing a floral shirt gestures in front of a decorative mirror outdoors, with orange flowers and greenery in the background, reflecting their image. Storyteller play style.

Storyteller

 Imagination is your playground, especially stories — whether you’re creating or absorbing them.

Reflection in a car side mirror showing a person holding a camera, with a blurred outdoor background. Creator play style. Photographer.

Creator

You like to make things and solve problems, whether it’s crafting, designing, or building.

Woman holding lemon slices over eyes, sticking out tongue, wearing a blue dress, against an orange background. Joker play style.

Joker

You strive to make people laugh and bring humor into every situation.