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This study focuses on exploring the role of didactics in the integration of recreational activities to promote creativity and critical thinking in primary education, using a quantitative approach and bibliometric analysis. Its objective was to identify the most effective pedagogical strategies and current trends in research on recreational activities in the educational field. To do this, a bibliometric analysis was carried out on 200 articles published between 2013 and 2023, extracted from academic databases such as Scopus and Web of Science. The study included an analysis of co-citation, co-authorship networks, keywords, and trends in academic literature. The results revealed that the classic theories of Vygotsky and Piaget remain influential, underscoring the importance of a solid theoretical framework in the implementation of playful activities. Likewise, significant collaboration was observed between researchers from some regions with important universities leading scientific production in this field. The keyword analysis highlighted the convergence around terms such as creativity, critical thinking, and didactics, reflecting a consensus on the relevance of these competencies in modern education. The trend analysis indicated a growing focus on the incorporation of educational technology within recreational activities, suggesting an adaptation of pedagogical practices to new technological realities. The research accentuates the importance of a well-structured pedagogical approach that integrates technology and classical theory to optimize learning through play in primary education.