The Importance of Children’s Museums
The Value of Play
Children’s museums are unique places that bring children, families and communities together for quality interaction. Serving as beacons amid a frenzied environment, children’s museums celebrate play and creativity; provide activities that nurture family relationships; establish common ground in communities; serve as a nexus for culture and inclusion; and collaborate with traditional, educational, and social service organizations to improve lives.
Children’s museums are leading a movement that combines specific learning objectives with play in informal learning environments. Through the hands–on interaction of play, children expand their problem–solving repertoire while stoking a passion for knowledge. While media and technological influences contribute to the compression of childhood, children’s museums are producing programs and exhibits that transcend age, IQ, and experience, and are empowering children to set their own pace.
As children’s museums succeed at relighting the creative spark and enthusiasm for childhood, a stronger sense of community begins to take hold. Because children’s museums are popular yet neutral sources of information, they are uniquely positioned to make a real difference in reversing stigma and discrimination associated with those often on the "outside."
Through workshops and collaborative efforts, children’s museums bring informal education expertise to the table to supplement or compliment established institutions and systems. By strengthening family and community bonds, children’s museums are well–regarded for their stabilizing and revitalizing effects on communities. As a nexus for play and interaction, it is no wonder that children’s museums are ranked among the most sought–after local and travel destinations for families and children.
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