Ever wonder when you stop playing? As adults, we are often introduced to the misconception that play is only for children. Adults, who are expected to grind and work, no longer play as it is only considered as mere distraction. In this blog post, let’s talk about how play can improve adult learning and the different free tools to use in the classroom. 

Last month, I started reading Greg McKeown’s Essentialism. The book highlights the importance of simplifying tasks and focusing on what truly matters. However, Essentialism also talks about how play can foster creativity and inspire exploration. 

Play does not only make adult learning fun. It enhances engagement, creativity, problem-solving, and even knowledge retention. Incorporating play into your training can lead to higher participation, improved teamwork, and deeper learning experiences.

1. Why Play Matters in Adult Learning

Often neglected, play is significant in enhancing adult learning. Apart from boosting one’s dopamine level which enhances memory and motivation, it also encourages experiential learning (which I am personally a fan of). When people learn by doing, they retain the information better.

We learn better when we get to act on the information and reflect on it.

Much like how we do in play. When we lose in a game, we reflect and strategize. We look for alternatives and new moves to improve our chances of winning.

Play, additionally, encourages collaboration and communication. I’ve personally seen how play binds people together regardless of their background. When at a play, people work with others in a team. They no longer think for themselves but as a part of a team.

Lastly, play reduces stress and anxiety. When these usual challenges to learning are removed, learning can be seen as more enjoyable.

2. Free Tools to Incorporate Play in Adult Learning

Incorporating play in adult learning should not be complicated. With the vast tools and tricks around us, L&D professionals can take advantage of these tools to incorporate play in the classroom. Here’s a list of free tools you can use to incorporate play into your adult learning programs:

Educandy

Educandy is a tool to create interactive games for the classroom. L&D professionals can create engaging activities in just a few clicks. They also provide the option to create games from scratch or utilize the games already available and shared by other users.

Once downloaded, the user needs to create the interactive activity, share the unique code to the class, and start the game. Some of the sample activities include word search, crosswords, anagrams, and more. Check out Educandy through their website: https://www.educandy.com/index.php

JeopardyLabs

JeopardyLabs is yet another tool that allows L&D professionals to create customized jeopardy templates. Created by Matt Johnson, JeopardyLabs provides the option to create a game from scratch or find and use a template already available in the site.

Check out JeopardyLabs through their website: https://jeopardylabs.com/

Bamboozle

Bamboozle, unlike most tools, requires, what they call, “less tech” since games can be played on one screen. With over 3 million games created, users can either opt to create their own game or use the ones that have been made by other teachers. Additionally, it is said that this tool is great for assessments and reviews.

While users can join for free and have access to limited features, there is also an option to subscribe to their other plans. Learn more about their pricing through their site: https://www.baamboozle.com/pricing

Wordwall

Wordwall provides users with two options to utilize their platform. Users can opt to use the “interactives” through their devices or the “printables” that can be downloaded and printed. Among their templates include the Maze Chase and Crossword. And, what’s even more impressive is that users have the option to customize their activity’s look and feel.

Wordwall offers subscription plans but the free plan already gets you up to 3 activities with access to 18 standard templates. Know more about their pricing plans here: https://wordwall.net/price-plans 

3. Overcoming Barriers to Play in Adult Learning

Let’s be real, when you bring up “play” in a room full of adults, you’re bound to get a few raised eyebrows. I’ve seen it happen. The hesitation is understandable. We’ve been conditioned to separate “fun” from “serious” work. But maybe it’s time we challenge that thinking.

“Play isn’t professional.”
This one comes up a lot. And I get it. Play sounds like something you leave behind once you graduate from grade school. But here’s what I’ve learned: professionalism isn’t about how serious something looks—it’s about how well it works. When play is used with intention, it becomes a tool, not a toy. You’re not turning your session into a circus. You’re creating moments where learners interact, think critically, and actually enjoy the process. That sounds pretty professional to me.

“Adults don’t have time for games.”
Honestly? Same. I’ve had days when I barely had time to eat lunch, let alone “play.” But what surprised me was how just a few minutes of structured play could reset a room. I once used a quick round of Kahoot as an icebreaker during a class, and the energy shift was immediate. No extra prep. No long setup. Just a whole lot of engagement. Sometimes, five minutes of play can save you from thirty minutes of blank stares.

“Play isn’t effective for adult learning.”
This is the one that makes me pause. Because when you think about it, what do we remember most? The worksheet we filled out or the time we solved a tricky puzzle as a team and actually laughed while learning? Play sticks. It pulls people in. It encourages problem-solving, experimentation, and collaboration. And when adults are relaxed and involved, learning doesn’t just happen, it deepens.

Conclusion

Somewhere along the way, we were taught to leave play behind. But I’ve come to believe that letting it back in might just be the smartest thing we can do. While reading Essentialism by Greg McKeown, I kept coming back to the same idea: cut the noise, focus on what works. And honestly? Play works.

If you’re designing learning experiences for adults—whether in the classroom, a training room, or a Zoom call don’t write off play just because it feels unconventional. You don’t need balloons or theme songs. Just a few thoughtful, playful moments that get people thinking, talking, and connecting. These are just a few examples of how play can improve adult learning.

And with free tools like Educandy, JeopardyLabs, Bamboozle, or Wordwall? There’s really nothing stopping you from trying. No big budget, no fancy tech skills—just a willingness to shake things up a little.

So go ahead. Add a little play. Watch how your learners respond. You might be surprised at how something so simple can make such a big difference.