The topic of this final paper is the role of play in comprehensive development, upbringing and acquisition of competences. Play is included in every segment of a child´s life, so this final work aims to raise the awareness of its importance. From an early age, play is one of the child's needs. Through play children learn about the world around them, it helps them develop in all areas, experiment in various ways, use various materials and stimuli from the environment, they gain experience by trying and making mistakes, enjoy and have fun. Without play, children would not be able to develop and function normally, therefore adults play a major role in the child´s play and overall development. Throughout playing children explore using all their senses, so they should be allowed to discover independently, explore, assemble and disassemble, try and satisfy their curiosity. That is why it is important to create a stimulating spatial environment in accordance with the child´s needs, interests, knowledge and skills. In addition to the spatial environment, the social environment also plays a big role because in interaction with others, the child discovers forms of behavior and ways of expressing emotions and then learns to apply them. Children should be encouraged from a young age to develop the key competences, because then the foundations for lifelong learning are laid. The best way to stimulate and develop children’s competencies is precisely through play.