Worldwide Day of Play celebration

BROOKINGS — The best place to play is everywhere — but it’s especially fun to play at the Children’s Museum of South Dakota.
The Brookings-based museum is joining together with the Association of Children’s Museums and Nickelodeon to celebrate the Worldwide Day of Play on Saturday, Sept. 26.

The day is dedicated to experiencing joyful learning through play throughout all of the museum exhibits. The signature event is a bubble show with B-Town Bubbles at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Additional activities also include story time at 10:30 a.m. and a fizzy bubbles activity from 3-4 p.m. in the Art Studio.

“Play is the foundation for lifelong learning. It gives children opportunities to build confidence, be creative, problem-solve, practice literacy, and develop independence; all while doing something that comes naturally to them,” said Director of Education and Guest Experience Kati Hanson. “Plus, it’s a lot of fun!”

The day also will include a program for the smallest learners, Play Dates.
Play Dates invites parents and their 0- 3-year-olds to a dedicated space to connect, discover, and play. The program, which takes place weekly, is free, but requires registration on the museum’s website.

“We wanted to create a welcoming space where new parents and caregivers could come together, play and grow alongside the children in their lives,” said Hanson. “It gives families a way to connect with the museum from those very first stages in life.”

The museum is also celebrating their play anniversary by collecting stories from the community. Those who submit their stories will be entered to win a yearlong Museum membership.

Find a link to submit a story alongside additional hours and admission information at www.prairieplay.org.