Differences in toy selection and play behavior of five preschoolers with Down's Syndrome and nonretarded preschoolers matched for mental and chronological age were examined. Toy selection was determined by length of time and frequency with which the child played with 12 toys in two 15-minute sessions. Analysis of play behavior considered child and toy characteristics and aspects of the play situation. Parent questionnaires were also completed. Average amounts of time played among the Down's and the two nonretarded groups revealed that Down's Syndrome Ss played with toys significantly longer than the other groups. Groups did not differ on other play behavior or toy selection. Parents were fairly accurate in predicting their child's toy preferences. Findings differed from previous research that suggested that children with mental retardation play less than nonretarded children. (CL)