Abstract: A play system for children, includes a playmat constructed and dimensioned so as to be foldable from a flat condition for normal use as a mat, to a folded condition defining a receptacle; and a plurality of play pieces for use on the playmat when in its flat condition, and adapted to be received within the receptacle defined by the playmat when in its folded condition. The playmat, and at least some of the play pieces, include mateable fastener elements for releasably retaining the play pieces on the playmat when in its flat condition. Fastener elements are located on the playmat at preselected locations thereon to thereby locate and stabilize the play pieces carrying mateable fastener elements at the preselected locations.