Play – Not Just for Kids!

The need for play doesn’t end with the childhood years – it’s also important for grown-ups to have time to slow down, explore their interests, be creative, be silly and have fun with their friends! That’s one of the reasons we're presenting our third annual PLAY ON! event on Saturday, June 11 from 7:00-10:00 PM.  This night out just for “big kids” provides adults with a playful after-hours adventure at the Children’s Museum – an opportunity to build tall block towers, investigate the power of air, construct water and mist fountains, solve puzzles and design challenges, and a whole lot more.

Research shows that playing for the pure joy of it – not with any goal or intended outcome – is good for all of us, and in so many different ways.  Play promotes creativity and imagination, boosts brain function, and is a tool for problem solving.  Play can relieve stress and foster resiliency.  Play can keep us active and healthy, and help improve our relationships with others.  According to this Boston Globe article about grown-up play, “People who exhibit high levels of playfulness – those who are predisposed to being spontaneous, outgoing, creative, fun-loving, and lighthearted – appear to be better at coping with stress, more likely to report leading active lifestyles, and more likely to succeed academically.”

Yes, play is critically important for children’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive development – but let’s not overlook its significance in helping us become happy, healthy adults as well!

For more ideas and info about why grown-ups need to play, too:

• Bring Back Recess — No, I Am Not Kidding (Huffington Post)
• Adult Playtime: 6 Ways to Bring More Fun into Your Day (Chopra Center)
• The Business Case for Adult Recess (Fast Company)
• Permission to Play (Huffington Post)
• The Psychological Case for Adult Play Time (Pacific Standard)

PLAY ON! takes place on Saturday, June 11 from 7:00-10:00 PM at Providence Children’s Museum and is just for grown-ups, ages 21+.
 
Advance tickets are $15 for Museum members and $20 for non-members, available online until 5:00 PM on Friday, June 10. Limited tickets will be available at the door for $25.
 
For more information: Website | Facebook