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Mildred Parten's categories of children's play include various forms of social interaction that evolve as children grow. Among these categories, "onlooker play" is characterized by a child observing others play without participating themselves. It represents a more passive form of engagement where the child is intrigued by the play of others but does not take part.

In contrast, the other options—associative, parallel, and cooperative play—are forms of interaction among children. Associative play involves children engaging in separate activities but interacting with one another, while parallel play occurs when children play alongside each other, typically engaging in similar activities without direct interaction. Finally, cooperative play involves children working together towards a common goal, showcasing more advanced socialization skills.

Since "onlooker play" denotes a lack of active participation and social interaction, it does not fit within the categories that emphasize engagement among peers, making it the correct choice for the type of play not included in Parten's social play categories.