Which type of play is characterized by children observing others without joining in?

Onlooker play is defined by children observing their peers engage in activities without actively participating themselves. This type of play is crucial for young children's social development, as it allows them to learn from their peers, understand social dynamics, and gain insights into how to navigate group play. During onlooker play, children may express interest in the activities they observe and may even ask questions or make suggestions, demonstrating their engagement with the social environment despite not physically joining in.

As for the other types of play, solitary play involves children playing alone, focusing on their own activities without the influence of others, while cooperative play involves working harmoniously with other children to achieve a common goal or shared activity. Industry play is less commonly identified as a distinct form of play but can refer to children's efforts to master skills or contribute productively. Each of these play types serves different developmental purposes, but onlooker play specifically focuses on observation without participation.