DH and I bring our toys into the living room so I see no reason why the boys shouldn't. They have just as much right to quiet enjoyment of our home as we do.
Cleaning can always wait but hide and seek and homework need to be attended to.

There is a world of difference between a dirty house and a messy house and we're all so busy that I'm happy to settle for messy. TBH I tend to think that a tidy house is a sign of a wasted life.