Play is a fun and imaginative way to become familiar with the world we live in. Children should be encouraged to play and grow through their myriad of interactive experiences. Play develops basic life skills like imagination and creativity. It helps cultivate problem-solving skills like cooperation, negotiation and compromise. It also provides opportunities for children to find out who they are and what they enjoy doing.

Random House Webster’s College Dictionary defines play as “an activity, often spontaneous, engaged in for recreation, as by children.” More than just childhood amusement, play has proven to be an important tool in adolescent development. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “play is essential to development as it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being of children and youth. Play also offers an ideal opportunity for parents to engage fully with their children.”

Children’s museums are great places for kids to play and explore by providing exhibits and programs that stimulate curiosity and motivate learning. At children’s museums, kids become excited about what they are learning while they are playing. As multidisciplinary institutions, children’s museums are defining how to teach the arts, humanities, sciences, mathematics and human relations across generations. With today’s workplace demands, adults have less time to spend with children. Children’s museums are places away from work and household distractions, where parents and caregivers can spend quality time with children, learn something new themselves and experience the luxury of becoming lost in the present moment as they play

Please Touch Museum’s emphasis on creating, exploring and investigating makes it a favorite among parents and children alike. From Barnyard Babies to Kids Construct, the museum’s exhibits enrich the lives of children by creating learning opportunities through play.