Why Play Matters: The Science Behind Hands-On Learning

Play is one of the most important—and often underestimated—drivers of childhood development. At first glance, it may look like simple fun: a child stacking blocks, pretending to be a pirate, or splashing water in a sensory table.

But beneath those joyful moments lies something powerful. Play is how children explore, experiment, and make sense of the world around them—and it’s one of the most effective ways they learn.

At the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn, every exhibit is intentionally designed to support this process. From our hands-on environments to our interactive programs, we believe that play is serious learning—and it’s at the heart of everything we do.

What Is Play-Based Learning?

Play-based learning refers to experiences that are child-directed, open-ended, and rooted in curiosity and creativity. Unlike traditional classroom activities, play doesn’t always have a specific goal or outcome—children are free to explore at their own pace.

Experts distinguish between different types of play:

• Constructive play, such as building or creating something

• Dramatic play, where children act out real or imaginary roles

• Physical play, which involves movement, coordination, and motor skills

• Sensory play, which stimulates touch, smell, hearing, sight, and sometimes even taste

Each type of play builds different skills—but what they all have in common is the ability to engage the whole child: mind, body, and heart.

What the Research Says About Learning Through Play

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is essential for healthy brain development. It helps children build new neural connections, develop executive function (like problem-solving and self-regulation), and learn how to interact with others.

Here are just a few evidence-backed benefits of play:

• Cognitive Growth: Play enhances memory, improves attention span, and promotes language acquisition. Pretend play, in particular, has been linked to stronger abstract thinking and storytelling skills.

• Social-Emotional Development: When children negotiate roles, share materials, or resolve conflicts during play, they’re developing empathy and collaboration skills.

• Physical Health: Gross and fine motor skills are strengthened through climbing, crawling, grasping, and other physical movements.

• Resilience and Confidence: Play allows children to take risks, try new things, and build self-esteem through trial and error.

In short, play builds the foundation for future academic success and life success.

The Role of Play in Early Childhood Education

Many early learning frameworks now center play at the core of curriculum design. Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and HighScope are just a few examples of educational models that emphasize exploration and discovery over memorization and rote learning.

The Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards highlight the importance of both structured and unstructured play in pre-K settings. Teachers are encouraged to observe and guide rather than instruct, allowing children to lead their own learning journeys.

That same philosophy drives our approach at the museum. Whether your child is exploring water flow at our water table or constructing a tower taller than themselves in our building zone, they’re engaging in experiences that mimic and support high-quality early education—without the pressure of a classroom.

How the Museum Environment Enhances Play

Unlike the home or classroom, a children’s museum is purpose-built for learning through play. Every exhibit is designed to spark curiosity, invite interaction, and encourage repeat visits.

Here’s how we design our museum with play-based learning in mind:

• Open-ended Materials: No “right” way to use them—just infinite possibilities.

• Scaled-down Spaces: Environments that feel just right for young children to navigate independently.

• Multi-sensory Features: Interactive exhibits that engage all five senses.

• Social Zones: Spaces where children can engage with peers and parents to practice communication and teamwork.

• Safe Risk-Taking Opportunities: Whether it’s climbing, problem-solving, or trying something new, children learn best when they feel safe to explore and fail.

It’s not just fun—it’s foundational.

A Museum Visit That Grows With Your Child

One of the best things about play is that it grows with your child. The same exhibit can offer different challenges, stories, and outcomes as your child develops new skills. This means repeat visits to the museum are never the same twice—and that’s by design.

Our goal is to encourage children to come back again and again, discovering something new each time. Play is not a one-time lesson—it’s a lifelong foundation for curiosity, resilience, and growth.

Unlock a World of Play With a Museum Membership

• Enjoy unlimited visits to the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn all year long.

• Explore even more with free admission to CLIMB partner museums.

• Save big with 50% off admission at hundreds of museums through the ACM reciprocal networks.

• All for one affordable yearly price, with special member-only events, discounts, and early access opportunities.

Membership isn’t just a pass—it’s a commitment to your child’s growth, imagination, and joy.

👉 Become a Member Today

Resources

• American Academy of Pediatrics. (2018). The Power of Play: A Pediatric Role in Enhancing Development in Young Children. https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/142/3/e20182058

• Ginsburg, K. R. (2007). The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds. Pediatrics, 119(1), 182–191.

• Illinois State Board of Education. (2013). Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards. https://www.isbe.net/Pages/Early-Learning-Standards.aspx

• Hirsh-Pasek, K., & Golinkoff, R. M. (2008). A Mandate for Playful Learning in Preschool: Presenting the Evidence. Oxford University Press.

• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). https://www.naeyc.org/resources/topics/play