What age group tends to outgrow the behavior of having imaginary friends?

Children typically outgrow the behavior of having imaginary friends before starting school, which generally occurs around the ages of 3 to 5 years. During these early years, imaginative play is a normal part of cognitive development, and having imaginary friends can help children explore social interactions, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

As children approach school age, they tend to shift their focus to more structured social interactions with peers in a school environment. This transition often leads to a decline in the prevalence of imaginary friends, as real-life friendships begin to take precedence. Consequently, while some children may retain the influence of their imaginary friends for some time, many will not continue this behavior once they start formal schooling, making this age group most likely to outgrow the phenomenon.