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Play is Serious Business

Kids Playing

“Of all the natural resources being depleted in the name of progress, one may prove to be the most precious, most important, but ultimately, most renewable: PLAY.” – The New York Times

The development of healthy children crosses all domains – social, emotional, cognitive and physical. It is important to parents, educators and future employers. It impacts not only school readiness, future work and life skills but also the children’s and community’s future quality of life.

The Benefits of Play

Research indicates that “the exploratory and creative activity that children initiate themselves (play) is the primary way they develop concepts and understandings about the world.” (Play in the Early Years: Key to School Success. 2007.)

Play contributes to healthy brain development and allows children to work in groups, make decisions, practice adult roles, master their world and have fun. (The importance of play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. 2006.)

Play is an essential element in the optimal development of all children and is addressed on every level at children’s museums.

The Role of Children’s Museums

Children's museums are dedicated to preserving childhood, promoting lifelong learning through play and building healthy communities. They cultivate children's curiosity and confidence while providing a community forum for dialogue and discovery.

Now more than ever, communities are beginning to embrace the role children's museums provide in ensuring that every child has a chance to play, thrive in school and succeed in life.

  • Over 30 million children and families annually visit children's museums
  • There are an estimated 300 children’s museums across the country

For more information on children’s museums, visit www.childrensmuseums.org.

To learn more about the importance of play, visit: Play in the Early Years

Crisis in the Kindergarten: Why Children Need to Play in School

The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds

View 2007 Emmy award-winning video spotlighting the important role of play in a child’s development.