Why Play?

Real-World Benefits

Although formal academics and structured activities are important, research shows that child-directed play is critical for healthy emotional, cognitive and social development. In other words, it might look like a child is “just playing,” but under the surface she is actually solving problems, learning language, developing empathy and strengthening self-regulation.
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In a society where kids often bounce from one structured event to another, it’s more important than ever to protect places where kids are in charge, play’s the word and the only rule is that you must have fun.

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Through hands-on exhibits and interactive programming at the Children's Museum, kids can see, touch, learn and grow their way through important developmental milestones. This is called the power of play.

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Want to learn more about the importance of play for your child?

We pulled together some of the best research and put it all in one convenient and clickable place. New research and articles are added frequently. Visit the links below to get started!

• Why We Need Children's Museums (Psychology Today)
• ‍In Defense of Play: The "elaborate detour" of having fun pays cognitive dividends important (The Atlantic)
• Why Playing Tag is as Important to your Kid’s Future as Reading (TIME Magazine)
• Losing our Grip: More students entering school without fine motor skills (Lancaster Online)
• The Adult Role in Child-led play: How to Become a Learning Ally (Nature Play)
• Scientists Say Child's Play Helps Build a Better Brain (NPR)
• 9 Ways to Entertain your Child without using a Smartphone (The Art of Manliness)
• The best school prep is (literally) child’s play (Chippewa Valley Family)
• The Decline of Play (TED Talk - Peter Gray)
• Do Schools Kill Creativity? (TED Talk - Sir Ken Robinson)
• The decline of play in preschoolers--and the rise of sensory issues (The Washington Post)

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