The selection of play materials has long been of concern to parents and educators. Many play materials simply do not engage children. In this study toys were openly displayed for free selection and play within a children's recreation center. Data were collected on the subject population, toy selection and toy usage. The results indicated that children's play behavior is lawful and highly structured by the available play materials. Thus, one may accurately predict the type of play behavior which individual toys will elicit in children. (Author)