How to Get Siblings to Play Together

You imagined playtime as a picture of harmony. Your kids laughing together, building forts, swinging side by side, totally in sync.

In reality? It’s often more like:
‘Stop copying me.’
‘That’s not fair.’
‘Mum said I got to have a go! Stop hogging it!’

Sibling bickering is a normal part of growing up, but that doesn’t make it any less exhausting. If you’re wondering how to get siblings to play together without constant conflict, you’re not alone. Many families experience this same challenge, especially when kids are spending long stretches at home.

The good news? With a few simple strategies and a little more understanding around how play works between siblings, it’s possible to create more moments of cooperation, connection, and calm.

What’s behind the bickering?

Before we look at how to help siblings play well together, it’s helpful to understand what’s driving the disagreements in the first place.

Different developmental stages. A seven-year-old may want to follow rules and build something complex, while their younger sibling just wants to explore and improvise. These differences in play style can quickly lead to frustration on both sides.

Competing for attention. Often, kids aren’t just trying to win a game; they’re trying to be seen and heard. Feeling excluded or overlooked can cause a child to act out for attention.

Lack of shared structure. Without some kind of plan or shared understanding of how the play will unfold, it’s easy for things to fall apart. They start confusing the roles and skipping turns, until someone finally storms off in frustration.

Simple shifts that lead to better play

Encouraging siblings to play together doesn’t mean stepping in to solve every disagreement. But a few supportive changes can make a big difference.

Set shared goals. When kids are working toward something together, whether it’s building an obstacle course, putting on a play, or collecting natural ‘treasures’ in the backyard, they’re more likely to focus on the task than on each other’s flaws.

Introduce just enough structure. A little guidance can help prevent common playtime issues. Think simple rules, rotating roles, or setting timers for turns. These small changes can reduce tension before it starts.

Support problem-solving. Instead of jumping in with solutions, try prompting them with questions like, ‘What do you think would be fair here?’ or ‘How can you both be included?’ Over time, they’ll begin to resolve small conflicts on their own.

How outdoor play supports cooperation

When it comes to helping siblings get along, the environment matters. Outdoor play, in particular, often brings out a different side of kids, one that’s more imaginative, collaborative, and resilient.

More space, fewer arguments. Indoors, space is often limited. Outdoors, kids can spread out, take breaks, and move their bodies in a way that helps release energy and ease tension.

Imagination thrives. In the backyard, a swing can become a spaceship, and a climbing frame turns into a fortress. There’s less pressure to follow specific rules and more room for kids to create shared stories and games.

Movement supports regulation. Physical activity helps children process big emotions and stay regulated. When they’re using the monkey bars, running, or swinging, they’re more likely to stay calm and cooperate.

If you’re fortunate enough to have outdoor space at home, encouraging open-ended play in that setting can naturally lead to more positive sibling interactions.

Try these backyard activities for smoother play

Here are a few low-prep activities that tend to work well for siblings of different ages and energy levels:

Build a backyard obstacle course. One child can create it, the other can test it; then swap. This taps into creativity and gives both kids a sense of control and contribution.

Go on a rescue mission. Hide toys around the yard and set up an imaginary storyline where the kids need to work together to save them. You can adapt this based on their ages and interests.

Play climbing copycat. One child performs a movement on the climbing frame, the other copies it. This is simple, fun, and encourages focus and turn-taking.

Create a shared scavenger hunt. Give them a list of natural items to find together, like a feather, a round stone, or something red. Working toward a common goal helps reduce competition.

Keeping the peace without always stepping in

No approach will eliminate all sibling conflict, but these gentle strategies can help reduce how often you’re called in to manage it.

Acknowledge positive moments. When you notice your kids cooperating, make a quick comment about it. ‘You really worked well as a team just then’ reinforces the kind of behaviour you want to see more of.

Make space for solo time. Sometimes, a break from each other is all they need. Allow time for independent play so that shared play feels more like a choice than a chore.

Refresh their environment. If you sense that tensions are building more often, change things up. A new outdoor activity, a rearranged play area, or even introducing a simple challenge can bring new energy to how they play together.

Making room for play that works

Learning how to get siblings to play together isn’t about stopping every fight. Some conflict is part of growing up. But with a bit of structure, some space to move, and a few shared challenges, playtime can become more enjoyable for everyone, including you.

Outdoor play offers a natural setting for connection. It gives kids the chance to cooperate on their own terms, move their bodies, and build confidence through shared experiences. Even making small changes to how you set up play can lead to better outcomes.

If you're thinking about ways to support more positive play at home, creating a dedicated outdoor space is a good place to start. Whether it's a simple setup or something more built out, the goal is the same: to give your children room to play well together, in their own way.

And that’s where Funky Monkey Bars come in; bring some excitement and creativity to your backyard with any of our collection, or give our team a call to create a custom setup today.