Synced and parents playing

Ok weighing in as a parent of 3 kiddos (now 22 and twin 16 year olds) I HATED pretend playing when they were little but I went with things I truly enjoyed doing with them and left them to play on their own or with their friends. I loved taking them to the zoo, shopping (yes they all learned to shop with me!), picnics at the park with their friends and moms who I loved being around, boating and going to the beach. Honestly I think it fosters independence and creative play when kids are left on their own for periods of time to be bored and figure out what to do on their own!