Field of Play

Play is both the message and the medium in this unique, hands-on laboratory for exploring play.

Begin your experience at a multi-media orientation presentation about the importance of play in human learning and creativity. See fascinating artifacts that illustrate the six major elements of play: Anticipation, Surprise, Pleasure, Understanding, Strength, and Poise. Then participate in creative play at stations that represent each element.

Walk through a giant kaleidoscope and create and view your own kaleidoscope patterns, use pulleys to power balls through a gigantic overhead ball machine, “drive” a drag racer, try to maintain your equilibrium in a slanted house, lose all sense of proportion in the exaggerated perspective room, climb a rock wall, relax in the Jellyfish Jungle, and so much more.

See our Elements of Play page for more about the elements of Play

Produced by Strong National Museum of Play