Play is an underrated, misunderstood and undervalued experience. There is a plethora of literature relating to play, particularly with respect to play and learning in the early years. However, play can also be used as a strengths-based, early intervention and prevention activity that assists families to build and strengthen interactions, attachments and relationships. This paper explores the notion of authentic play experiences and investigates how such experiences might be implemented and used to build relationships between parents and children. To do so, the authors provide a short case study on Play Cave … play in a basket which is a universal, non-stigmatizing, early intervention and prevention Programme delivered by staff in a Communities for Children programme in Queensland. Play Cave … play in a basket is intended to provide authentic, child-centred play experiences that engage both parents and children in positive interactions. The authors argue that play is an essential tool for strengths-based early intervention and prevention practice.