Social play is when children of similar ages interact and play with each other. It is a very important milestone in childhood development and emerging language and social skills.

Unoccupied play: birth to 3 months

Children in this stage are observing anything of temporary interest, and if there is nothing happening of interest they will play with their own bodies, move around, or sit in one spot.

Solitary independent play: birth to 2 years

Solitary independent play is when a child plays alone with different toys than children in their vicinity and does not attempt to engage with others.

Onlooker behaviour: emerging around 2 years

Onlooker behaviour is when children spend time watching a specific group of children without entering in the play, though the child may talk to and ask questions of the children being observed

Parallel play: emerging after 2 years

A child in this stage will play with toys similar to those of the children next to them, though the use of toys is independent and the child will not attempt to influence the other children

Associate play: emerging around 3-4 years

Children in this stage are actively playing with others, talking about a common activity, and engaging with the toys in a similar manner, though the activity is not organized

Cooperative play: emerging after 4 years

Cooperative play is when children play in a group with an organized intent, typically with one or two children in charge, and each child has a different purpose to fulfill a common goal

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References

Parten, M. B. (1932). Social participation among pre-school children. The Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 27(3), 243-269.