The aim of this study was to investigate parents' perceptions of play activities during their child's stay in paediatrics. The methodology used was qualitative, descriptive and exploratory. In the data analysis, a brief characterisation of the participants is presented first, followed by the three themes defined after reading and analysing the material obtained from the interviews. Playfulness as a facilitator during childhood hospitalisation highlights the importance given to the act of playing so that children can bring the cold hospital universe closer to their joyful childhood universe. Playfulness as an auxiliary tool in treatment and prognosis addresses the benefits that such activities bring to the child, being able to have therapeutic functionality during hospitalisation. Playfulness as a working tool for nurses points to the importance of professionals taking playfulness as a working tool, implementing it in their routine, aiming for more humane and sensitive professionals.