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When do toddlers play with other kids?

The CDC's milestone checklist lists “Plays next to other children and sometimes plays with them” by 30 months, and “Notices other children and joins them to play” by 3 years. Most children (75% or more) do these by those ages. Playing next to others comes first on the CDC's list. If you're worried, talk with your pediatrician.

Checked October 29, 2026.

What the CDC's checklists say

Milestones from the CDC's “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” checklists, word for word
ByThe CDC's milestoneMonth page
15 monthsCopies other children while playing, like taking toys out of a container when another child doesYour toddler at 15 months
30 monthsPlays next to other children and sometimes plays with themYour toddler at 30 months
3 yearsNotices other children and joins them to playYour child at 3 years

Each row is from the CDC's checklist for that age (15 months, 30 months, 3 years), checked October 29, 2026.

What “by 30 months” means

Developmental milestones are things most children (75% or more) can do by a certain age. The CDC puts each milestone at the age by which at least 75% of children would be expected to do it, so that even one missing milestone leads to a conversation with the doctor instead of “wait and see”. So “by 30 months” isn't an average. Many children do it sooner, and the checklists don't list everything a child learns.

What it can look like

Watching other children, copying them, playing side by side, then joining in.

What helps

  • Spend time where other children play: the park, library story time, a cousin's house.
  • Bring two of the same toy, so sharing isn't the first lesson.
  • Let your child watch for a while before joining. Watching is part of it.

Talk to your pediatrician if…

Your child isn't doing this by 30 months, the age on the CDC's list, has lost a skill they once had, or you're worried for any reason.

You know your child best. Don't wait. If your child is not meeting one or more milestones, has lost skills he or she once had, or you have other concerns, act early. Talk with your child's doctor, share your concerns, and ask about developmental screening.

If you or the doctor are still concerned, the CDC says to ask for a referral to a specialist, and to call your state's early intervention program (find the number on the CDC's list). You do not need to wait for a doctor's referral or a medical diagnosis to make this call. If your child is younger than 3 years old, contact your local early intervention system.

More from the CDC: Concerned about your child's development? If your child seems unwell, call your pediatrician, or 911 in an emergency.

Sources