This study examined the playfulness of toddlers, ages 18-24 months, participating in a situational context with a non-maternal adult play partner. The goal was to investigate adult interaction styles and outcomes in terms of children's playful dispositions. Play behaviors were observed and coded from videotapes. A qualitative analysis of exploration sessions for effect of parental and experimenter neutrality on the child involved simple notes and a rating of general emotional tone. Parents' perceptions of their child's playfulness were assessed using the Child Behaviors Inventory. Findings suggest that toddlers are more playful in adult-directed play than in adult-assisted play. (JPB)